Bilbao. Vista Alegre. Bullring

Bilbao Vista Alegre bullring

Bilbao's Vista Alegre bullring is a benchmark in the world of bullfighting, where bullfights have been held since the 17th century.

The recently refurbished Vista Alegre bullring is one of the most modern in Spain, with new spaces completely overhauled to accommodate the best bullfighting spectacle, as well as large concerts, exhibitions, and all kinds of top-level events.

It is a first-rate bullring with 14,781 seats and is considered one of the most important in Spain, where leading figures in bullfighting have fought throughout history.

The bullring is most popular during Bilbao's Semana Grande, better known as Aste Nagusia, when the main bullfighting competition takes place in the bullring.

Vista Alegre bullring History

The first bullring in Bilbao was inaugurated on 13 August 1882, with a seating capacity of 12,394, featuring Manuel Fuentes "Bocanegra", José Lara "Chicorro" and Fernando Gómez "Gallito Chico" in the line-up.

After a young bullfight in which Rafael Chacarte, J.M. Montilla and Manuel Benitez "El Cordobés" fought, the bullring caught fire in the early hours of 4 to 5 September 1961, forcing it to be closed down and restored.

The new Vista Alegre bullring was reopened on 19 June 1962, only 9 months after the fire in the old bullring, increasing its capacity to 14,781 seats.

More than 50 years later, the Vista Alegre bullring in Bilbao was once again renovated, with work starting in December 2019, with the aim of refurbishing and modernising the bullring to turn it into a benchmark not only for bullfighting festivals, but also for other leisure and cultural events.

The project for the new bullring was launched as BIVA Bilbao, by the company BMF Toros, designed by the architect Diego Garteiz.

The new, futuristic Bilbao Vista Alegre bullring (BIVA) was inaugurated in June 2022, opening its doors again to welcome José María Manzanares, Alejandro Talavante, Roca Rey and Pablo Hermoso de Mendoza, who fought bulls from San Pelayo and Jandilla.

The importance of bullfighting in Bilbao and its Semana Grande

Bilbao's connection with fighting bulls goes back many years, to the point that Biscay and the bull have an almost mythological relationship, as the primitive Basques mythologised this animal under the name of Mikeldi. 

The first bullfighting events in Bilbao date back to the 16th century, which took place during festivities such as Corpus Christi and its eighth day, when bullfighting games were held throughout the town.

The first bullring in Bilbao was located next to the Church of San Antón, with a trapezoidal shape and enclosed by the course of the Nervión river, where in 1812 José Redondo "El Chiclanero" was awarded the alternative, and where emblematic figures such as Pedro Romero, Cúchares and Cayetano Sanz, to mention but a few, fought in the bullfights.

Bilbao's Semana Grande is a major event in the bullfighting season, which is held every year at the end of August and brings together the most important bullfighters of the moment over seven days, with unforgettable afternoons of bullfighting.

The Semana Grande is better known by the people of Bilbao as Bilboko Aste Nagusia, after its name in Basque, and represents Bilbao's main festival, held every year for nine days from the Saturday following the 15th August, the feast of the Assumption of Our Lady.

Bilbao's bullfights are held during Semana Grande, making it one of the most important events on the bullfighting calendar in Spain, attracting the most important bullfighters of the moment, as well as bullfighting enthusiasts from all over the world.

As a result, Bilbao's bullring usually hangs the sold-out sign during the Aste Nagusia, which means visitors must buy their tickets in advance.

How to get to the Bilbao bullring?

Bilbao's bullring is centrally located on Calle Martín Agüero number 1, next to Plaza Zabalburu, 15 minutes' walk from the city's main tourist attractions, and very easy to reach by road and public transport.

Who manages the Bilbao Vista Alegre bullring (BIVA)

BMF Toros is currently in charge of managing the Bilbao Vista Alegre bullring, which was also the company that presented the new BIVA project for the bullring. It was formerly called La Casa Chopera.

Buying bullfighting tickets for Bilbao

Since this is one of the most historic and important bullrings, buying bullfighting tickets for Bilbao well in advance is essential. Otherwise, you will probably miss the bullfighting event, especially during Semana Grande or Aste Nagusia.

As an official sales service, Servitoro makes it possible to buy tickets for Bilbao's Semana Grande bullfights in advance, without the need to travel, conveniently, quickly, and safely from your home, ensuring your presence in the bullring without the need to queue up.

The bullfighting tickets for Bilbao, we send them in PDF format to your email. Consult the Conditions of Purchase, section Tickets in DIGITAL FORMAT 4.2 to have all the information about its delivery. Management fees 12€/ticket.