San Sebastian: Bulls in Paradise

San Sebastián went a quarter of a century without a bullring. The twenty-five years that passed between the demolition of the much-missed Chofre, an iconic venue during the northern summer seasons, and the construction of the new multi-purpose Illumbe complex have not dampened the spirits of the aficionados. Though fewer in number than before, they remain as discerning as ever, lending prestige and credibility to everything that takes place in the modern San Sebastián arena.

Due to the proximity to the French border, some enthusiasts from that country also make their way to La Concha Bay during those days, particularly from the southwestern region, mainly from Biarritz and Bayonne. The rest of the seats are filled by curious onlookers and holidaymakers, who always flock to Donosti but multiply during Semana Grande.

San Sebastián is one of the most beautiful cities on the Iberian Peninsula. With its climate, gastronomy, beaches, history… there isn’t an article or blog extensive enough to cover all the virtues of this northern gem, nestled between Mount Urgull and Mount Igueldo, which guard La Concha Bay, with the island of Santa Clara as its privileged witness.

The festivities last for seven days, with bullfights concentrated over three days. In 2024, all three days offer compelling reasons to make the trip to Guipuzcoan lands. On Thursday the 15th, a high-level mixed event marks Hermoso‘s farewell to Illumbe, one of the key arenas in his career. The renowned horseman from Estella will be joined by the maestro José Antonio Morante de la Puebla and the rising star Marco Pérez, who makes his debut in San Sebastián on a stellar lineup featuring bulls from Capea, Juan Pedro Domecq, and Núñez del Cuvillo.

On Friday the 16th, the Fuente Ymbro bulls return after last year’s intriguing event. Miguel Ángel Perera, who exited through the Puerta del Príncipe in Seville during the year of his twentieth anniversary as a matador, Emilio de Justo, making his Illumbe debut after opening the Puerta Grande at the last San Fermín festival, and David Galván, the breakout star of San Isidro, who also makes his debut in Donosti, complete the trio.

The fair concludes on Saturday the 17th with another dazzling spectacle: Talavante, Roca Rey (winner of the 2022 Concha de Oro), and Pablo Aguado will face bulls from Don Joaquín Núñez del Cuvillo. A truly outstanding lineup to crown the season and ensure that aficionados have no doubts about visiting a city that, like its bullfighting festival, has it all!