Bullfight in Marbella

The locality of Marbella opened the doors of its bullring the 11th June (1964). Pedro Martinez (Pedrés), Manuel Benítez (el Cordobés) and Francisco Camino were the bullfighters. The bulls were from the prestigious breeder 'Antonio Martinez Elizondo'. The capacity of the bullring is 9.500 spectators.

Marbella´s bullring is at the very top end of the old town, easily found from the N-340. The area around the bullring has limited parking. The ring consists of about 8 entrances.

Along the Summer period in Marbella there is a 'Novillada' every Sunday at 7 p.m., tickets can be obtained at the door, prices from 5.500 pesetas.

The first fortnight of June, Marbella celebrates the San Bernabe Fair. The most important day is June the 11th, featuring the Commemoration of the Christian Conquest. From noon to 19.00 p.m. the City centre is packed with thousands of people who fill the streets and bars to dance and enjoy themselves 'La Feria de Dia'. There are also daily bullfights in the bullring at 19.00 p.m.

In July and August will be three bullfights every month.



THE BULLFIGHT

Bullfight posters will appear in the town and surrounding locality about two weeks before a fight. These detail the type of fight, the names of the matadors, the ranch from where the bulls are reared, and the date and time.

Each bullfight comprises six bulls and three matadors, each of whom fights two bulls. The show started at 5 p.m. with a parade of the bullfighters (Paseillo), then once the president is ready, in his special box, the first bull is let in. For about 15 minutes the bull is tormented by several Picadors, two of which place spears in the bull's back to weaken him. Then the Matador enters the ring, fights the bull then finishes him off with his sword. The Matador is then presented with an ear of the bull for providing a good show.

There are different prices for seats and when you buy your ticket you have to specify if you want to sit in the sun (sol) or the shade (sombra). The shade is more expensive. Sun and shade (sol y sombra) seats are those that become shaded as the fight progresses. This dictates which entrance you will enter by. The cheapest seats are at the top of the ring, the front seats are the most expensive.
Tickets prices vary considerably depending on the bullring, the bullfighters and the occasion. Tickets for small corridas usually cost from 1.000 to 6.000 ptas, although tickets for a novillada are usually less than 1.000 ptas.