Bullfighting Expat Community: International Resident Events -

The short answer is this: Bullfighting events at Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas attract a large expat and international resident community in Madrid, and the best way to join them is through curated group events, social meetups, guided experiences, and shared seating blocks offered during the regular season and major festivals. According to Madrid Tourism Board attendance statistics, more than 22% of spectators at Las Ventas are foreign residents, many of whom use these gatherings as a cultural and social anchor point in the city.

This matters because if you’re living in Madrid—whether short-term or long-term—bullfighting is one of the few cultural experiences where locals, expats, and travellers mix naturally, especially in group blocks in Tendido Sombra or Sol y Sombra. For expats looking for social connection, language exchange, networking, or simply experiencing Madrid like a madrileño, these events are one of the easiest ways to integrate.

In this guide, you’ll learn how expats participate in bullfighting culture, how group events work, which dates attract the most international residents, and how to book seats together. We’ll show you which sections are best for social, community-focused experiences and how to join existing groups.

Check Ticket Availability

What Makes Bullfighting Popular with the Expat Community in Madrid?

Bullfighting at Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas is one of Madrid’s most iconic cultural activities. For expats, there are three reasons it remains popular:

It’s a social event — groups sit together, chat before the fight, and enjoy the spectacle collectively.
It’s culturally immersive — a direct window into Spanish tradition that locals still value.
It’s seasonal and predictable — recurring events make it easy to plan meetups.

According to Las Ventas attendance reports, expat participation increases by more than 30% during major festivals, especially the San Isidro Fair (15 May–15 June 2026) and the Autumn Fair.

Common expat nationalities at the bullring include:

British
American
French
German
Italian
Dutch
Latin American residents
Nordic and Central European professionals

If you’re new in Madrid and want a friendly, mixed international environment, bullfighting group events are a surprisingly effective social entry point.

→ Join the next group event by selecting your seats here:
Madridbullfighting

How International Resident Events at Las Ventas Work

These events typically follow the same structure:

Meetup outside Gate 1 on Calle de Alcalá 237
Short intro about the matadors (toreros), the bulls, and the card
Group seating together—usually in Sections 7–10 (shadow)
Post-fight drinks or tapas nearby in the Ventas neighbourhood

The goal is not only watching the bullfight but creating a space where international residents connect socially.

Typical Group Format

Step	Description
1	Meeting point 30–45 minutes before the fight
2	Brief cultural intro for first-timers
3	Seating in the same section (usually Tendido Sombra)
4	Optional social gathering afterwards
5	WhatsApp/Telegram group access for future events

These events happen most often on:

Friday evening fights (socially convenient)
Sundays during regular season
Every day during San Isidro

Many expats combine these meetups with visits to the bullfighting museum or Las Ventas’ guided tours earlier in the day.

Which Sections Are Best for Expat Group Events?

International resident groups prefer shadow-side seating because it is more comfortable, more social, and has a higher concentration of English-speaking guides and organisers.

Below is a practical breakdown.

Best Sections for Expat Groups

Section Type	Why It’s Ideal	Typical Price Range
Tendido Sombra (8–10)	Cool, comfortable, best view	€85–€160
Tendido Sol y Sombra	Bright but not full sun	€60–€95
Tendido Sol (2–4)	Budget-friendly group blocks	€35–€70
Andanada Sombra	Cheapest group-friendly seats	€25–€45

We recommend Tendido Sombra Sections 8–10 for group or community events because:

You hear all commentary and reactions
Clear visibility of matador technique
Easier to stay together as a group
Less sun exposure (especially May–September)

For detailed maps, see the seating breakdown here:
Bullfighting Tickets Madrid (Seating Guide)

Which Dates Attract the Largest Expat Crowds?

International residents tend to prioritise events that offer predictable scheduling and strong social turnout.

Expat Social Atmosphere: What to Expect

International resident events at Las Ventas have a very specific vibe:

Mixed languages, mostly English + Spanish
Ages 22–55, with a concentration of young professionals
Pre- and post-fight social energy
Easy conversation starters (everyone’s new and curious)
Zero pressure to have prior knowledge

Expats often describe the atmosphere as:

“International but local”
“Like a cultural language exchange”
“A great way to meet long-term residents”

If you’ve just moved to Madrid, this is one of the easiest ways to build early social connections.

Joining an Expat Bullfighting Event: Step-by-Step

Here’s the most common path for expats:

Choose your fight date
Select seats together using the interactive map on
Madridbullfighting
Arrive 30 minutes before the event
Meet the organiser or group guide
Enjoy the event together
Join the post-fight social (optional)

New to Madrid?

Book your seats early—expat blocks in shadow sections sell out quickly, especially during May and June.

How Much Do Expat Group Tickets Cost?

Group tickets follow the same dynamic pricing as regular ones.

Average Pricing for Expat Events

Ticket Type	Price Range	Notes
Shadow Section Group	€85–€150	Most popular
Sol y Sombra Group	€55–€85	Balanced comfort
Sun Section Group	€35–€65	Budget-friendly
Andanada Group	€25–€40	Cheapest option

Important:
During San Isidro, shadow seats may increase by €20–€50 as the date approaches.
If you’re joining an expat event, booking together ensures you stay in the same block.

→ Secure your group seats together here:
Madridbullfighting

Do Expats Need Prior Knowledge to Attend?

Not at all. Most international residents attending their first bullfight are complete beginners.

They usually learn:

The order of the three stages (tercios)
The roles of matador, banderilleros, picadores
How scoring and applause work
Why locals cheer specific moves

Guides often provide a 10–15 minute introduction before the fight, making the experience more accessible.

If you prefer diving deeper, see our first-timer recommendations inside:
Bullfighting Tickets Madrid

Frequently Asked Questions About Expat Bullfighting Events

Do I need to speak Spanish to join these events?
No. Most expat bullfighting events are run in English, and the majority of international residents attending speak English as a shared language. Announcements at the bullring are in Spanish, but explanations from group leaders help bridge the gap. It’s a friendly environment for beginners and newcomers to Madrid.

Are group tickets cheaper for expats?
Prices are the same for locals and expats because Las Ventas uses standardised dynamic pricing. However, booking as a group early helps secure seats in the same section before prices rise. Shadow seats often increase €20–€50 closer to the event, so early planning matters. Book worry-free with instant confirmation.

Can expats attend alone and still join a group?
Yes. Many international residents attend solo and join group blocks for the social aspect. Meetup-style groups and language exchange communities often gather at the bullring, especially on Sundays and during festivals. After the event, social drinks are common.

Is this a good way to make friends in Madrid?
Absolutely. Bullfighting attracts a mixed crowd of newcomers, long-term expats, and culture-curious residents. The shared experience, emotional atmosphere, and structured group seating make conversation easy. Events frequently lead to WhatsApp groups and future meetups. Book worry-free with instant confirmation.

Are bullfighting events safe and organised for newcomers?
Yes. Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas maintains a strong security presence, clear signage, and strict seat assignments. Meeting points are public and easy to find. Group organisers usually accompany expats into the stadium, ensuring no confusion. It’s beginner-friendly even if you’ve never attended a live Spanish event before.

Do expat events happen year-round?
They mainly run from March to October during bullfighting season, with the highest frequency during the San Isidro Fair. Winter months have fewer events because the bullring schedule is lighter, but occasional special events still attract resident groups.

Can corporate expat teams join these events?
Yes. International companies in Madrid often organise group outings at Las Ventas as part of cultural immersion programs. It’s a unique team-building option and helps expats integrate into Spanish culture. Group bookings are simple and can accommodate dozens of seats together.

Ready to Join Madrid’s Expat Bullfighting Community?

Bullfighting events at Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas are one of the easiest, most authentic ways for international residents to connect with each other and with Spanish culture. The key things to remember:

Expat groups gather regularly during the bullfighting season.
Shadow seating (Sections 8–10) is where social blocks typically sit.
Early booking ensures you and your friends stay together.
Weekends and festival dates have the strongest international turnout.

When you book through madridbullfighting.com, you get instant confirmation, best-price matching, and multilingual support in English, French, German, and Italian. Whether you’re new to Madrid or looking to expand your circle, these events offer a welcoming community.

Book Your Tickets Now

Madrid Bullfighting was created 25 years ago out of the need to bring Spain’s bullfighting tradition closer to international visitors coming to Madrid, making ticket purchasing easier and providing clear, reliable information in their own language. This program was originally launched by the Community of Madrid.
For more than 25 years, we have helped promote Madrid to thousands of travelers, as the initiative includes both the promotion of bullfighting and the cultural appeal of the city to visitors.
The program offers recommendations and guides to cultural activities considered of interest by the Community of Madrid, including visits, shows, and traditional experiences. Depending on the season, discounts may be available for additional cultural activities recognized by the Community of Madrid.