The city of León is not only known for its historical heritage and gastronomy, it also offers every year a programme of bullfighting events that attracts a large number of fans. The Plaza de Toros de León, also known as the Palacio de los Deportes–Tauromaquia, hosts some of the most important bullfights and festivities in Castilla y León, especially during the San Juan and San Pedro celebrations.
Among the most eagerly awaited events are the rejoneo bullfights, a form of bullfighting in which riders face the bull on horseback, combining equestrian skill and taurine art, turning the show into a unique experience for spectators.
León keeps its bullfighting tradition alive with a loyal audience that fills the stands at every event. For many visitors, attending a bullfight in León is an opportunity to experience first-hand one of Spain’s most deep-rooted cultural expressions.
León bullring
Inaugurated in 1970, the León bullring has become a key venue on the national bullfighting circuit. With capacity for around 10,000 spectators, it brings together some of the best matadors and rejoneadores in the country every summer.
Its design offers excellent visibility from any seat and, during the bullfighting fairs, it turns into a vibrant place full of colour, music and tradition.
In addition to bullfights, the arena also hosts concerts and other cultural events, making it a versatile space and an important meeting point for the city’s social life.
Rejoneadores in León
Rejoneo is one of the most spectacular forms of bullfighting. In León, great names of bullfighting on horseback such as Pablo Hermoso de Mendoza, Diego Ventura or Guillermo Hermoso de Mendoza have performed, combining elegance, precision and courage in every performance.
The audience enjoys not only the bullfighting art itself, but also the relationship between rider and horse, which gives the spectacle a very special and distinctive character.
Every season, the anticipation to see the top rejoneadores is enormous, and their performances are among the most memorable moments of León’s bullfighting fairs.
Bullfighting during León festivals
Bullfights in León usually coincide with the San Juan and San Pedro festivities at the end of June and form part of a wider programme of cultural activities, concerts and popular events.
Attending a bullfight during these celebrations allows you to fully experience the festive atmosphere of the city: lively streets, parades, music and, of course, the excitement of the bullfighting events in the Plaza de Toros.
These dates turn León into a vibrant destination where tradition and modern life blend together to offer an unforgettable experience for visitors and locals alike.
Tips for attending a bullfight in León
- Buying tickets: you can purchase them at the ticket office or through the official website of the bullring.
- Best time to go: the main bullfighting season takes place in June, during the San Juan and San Pedro festivities.
- Atmosphere: it is common to go in a group, enjoy the show and end the day in the bars and terraces in the centre of León.
If this is your first time attending, it is a good idea to arrive early to soak up the pre-event atmosphere and choose your seat calmly. After the bullfight, it is traditional to continue the day with tapas in the Barrio Húmedo or in the Plaza Mayor.
Conclusion
Bullfighting and rejoneo in León are part of the city’s cultural calendar and offer a spectacle full of tradition and art. The Plaza de Toros, with its fairs and events, is one of the most vibrant venues in the León summer.
Your stay in León
To round off this unique experience, there is nothing better than staying right in the heart of the city. At León Apartamentos you will find modern, comfortable and well-equipped tourist apartments, ideal for walking around the historic centre and reaching the bullring easily. Our apartments offer the perfect combination of location, comfort and style so you can enjoy León by day and by night.
