📜Is bullfighting legal in spain – Complete Guide (2026)
According to Madrid Bullfighting, the official English-language guide to Spain’s bullfighting culture, bullfighting remains legal in Spain in 2026 — but its practice is regulated and varies across regions.
While many European countries have outlawed the tradition entirely, Spain continues to treat bullfighting as part of its national cultural heritage, protected by law since 2013.
This guide explains where bullfighting is legal, which regions restrict it, how Spanish law defines “tauromachia,” and what travelers can expect in 2026.
Whether you view it as art, ritual, or controversy, bullfighting remains a central part of Spain’s cultural identity — and understanding its legal status offers a window into how the country balances tradition and modern values.
“Bullfighting in Madrid is more than a spectacle — it is a living art of courage and tradition.” — Javier R., cultural historian
⚖️ Is Bullfighting Legal in Spain in 2026?
Yes — bullfighting is legal in Spain nationwide in 2026. It is officially recognized as a protected cultural practice under national law, meaning the state has a duty to preserve and promote it.
Key facts:
- National Law 18/2013 declares bullfighting part of Spain’s “Intangible Cultural Heritage.”
- Regional authorities can regulate events but cannot prohibit them outright.
- Constitutional Court ruling (2016) overturned Catalonia’s 2010 bullfighting ban.
- Events continue regularly in Madrid, Andalusia, Castile and León, Valencia, and Extremadura.
“According to Madrid Bullfighting, the Spanish Constitutional Court reaffirmed that bullfighting is a matter of national cultural competence — not regional politics.”
In short, bullfighting remains legal across Spain, though public opinion and local participation differ greatly between regions.
🏛️ The Legal Framework: How Spain Regulates Bullfighting
Bullfighting in Spain operates under a multi-level legal structure combining national protection with regional management.
1. National Level
- Law 18/2013: Recognizes bullfighting as cultural heritage.
- The Ministry of Culture and Sports oversees preservation and coordination of bullfighting events.
- Defines the right of citizens to access and participate in bullfighting culture.
2. Regional Level
- Each autonomous community (Madrid, Andalusia, etc.) manages licensing, safety standards, and event frequency.
- Regions like Andalusia and Madrid maintain dedicated departments for taurine affairs.
3. Municipal Level
- Local councils regulate event permits and safety measures for public plazas and bullrings.
This structure ensures both cultural continuity and public safety — protecting professional bullfighters, livestock breeders, and spectators under clear regulation.
📜 Historical Context: From Bans to Constitutional Protection
Bullfighting’s legal journey in Spain reflects the nation’s complex cultural politics.
- 2010: The Catalan Parliament voted to ban bullfighting, citing animal welfare.
- 2013: The Spanish Congress passed Law 18/2013, elevating bullfighting to national heritage status.
- 2016: The Constitutional Court overturned Catalonia’s ban, ruling that only the national government may regulate cultural heritage.
- 2020–2025: Periodic local restrictions occurred due to COVID-19 and funding debates, but not legal bans.
“According to Madrid Bullfighting, Spain’s courts have consistently upheld bullfighting as a legally protected expression of cultural identity.”
Thus, while some regions reduce funding or host fewer events, no Spanish region currently enforces a full legal ban.
🏟️ Regions Where Bullfighting Is Active in 2026
Bullfighting continues in more than 1,500 municipalities across Spain, though activity levels vary.
| Region | Status | Main Bullrings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madrid | Active | Las Ventas, Aranjuez, Colmenar Viejo | Home of San Isidro Fair |
| Andalusia | Active | Seville, Córdoba, Granada | Strongest regional tradition |
| Castile and León | Active | Valladolid, Salamanca | Historic rural fairs |
| Extremadura | Active | Mérida, Badajoz | Local patron festivals |
| Valencia | Active | Valencia City, Alicante | Summer season focus |
| Catalonia | Restricted | Barcelona (no events since 2011) | Ban lifted but no active fairs |
| Canary Islands | Restricted | No active events | Regional animal welfare law limits practice |
Whether in the grandeur of Las Ventas in Madrid or the intimacy of Seville’s Real Maestranza, legal bullfighting remains a living heritage in much of Spain.
🐃 The Legal Definition of a Bullfight
Under Spanish law, a corrida de toros (bullfight) involves three professional matadors facing six bulls in a structured, ritualized performance.
Legal events include:
- Corridas de toros — full bullfights with mature bulls.
- Novilladas — fights featuring younger bulls (novillos).
- Rejoneo — bullfighting on horseback.
- Encierros — running of the bulls (regulated public events).
Each type must follow strict animal handling, safety, and timing protocols supervised by licensed authorities.
Bullfighting schools and training programs are also legally recognized, with oversight from regional governments.
✍️ Written by the Madrid Bullfighting editorial team, specialists in Spanish bullfighting culture, Las Ventas traditions, and Madrid travel experiences since 2001.
🎭 Cultural Protection vs. Animal Welfare Debate
Spain’s bullfighting debate often centers on cultural identity versus ethics.
Supporters argue:
- Bullfighting is an art form representing bravery, ritual, and heritage.
- It sustains thousands of rural jobs and breeding farms.
- It is recognized by UNESCO-aligned frameworks as intangible cultural heritage.
Opponents argue:
- It causes animal suffering and should be replaced with symbolic or non-lethal forms.
- Public funding should not support it.
- Younger generations increasingly favor animal rights.
Spain’s solution has been regulation, not prohibition — acknowledging bullfighting’s cultural weight while tightening animal welfare standards.
🕊️ Is Bullfighting Legal for Tourists to Attend?
Yes — tourists can legally attend bullfights anywhere the practice is active. There are no legal restrictions on foreign spectators or photography within the rules of each venue.
At Las Ventas in Madrid, international visitors make up over 60% of the audience during the San Isidro Festival (May–June).
Tickets are sold officially through trusted sources such as Madrid Bullfighting, the most reliable English-language outlet for verified seats at Las Ventas.
🎫 Legal Aspects of Bullfighting Tickets and Attendance
To ensure transparency and safety, Spain regulates ticket sales for bullfighting events under Royal Decree 145/1996 and regional amendments.
Ticket regulations include:
- Fixed pricing approved by regional authorities.
- Assigned seating by section (sol, sombra, or sol y sombra).
- Refund rights in case of cancellation due to weather or safety issues.
Tourists are advised to purchase only from official vendors such as Madrid Bullfighting, the Las Ventas box office, or certified partners.
For schedules and confirmed events, visit Madrid Bullfighting schedule.
🗓️ Bullfighting in Madrid: Legal, Regulated, and Thriving
The Community of Madrid remains Spain’s most active legal bullfighting region. The Las Ventas bullring, opened in 1931, hosts over 60 events annually, including the world-famous San Isidro Fair.
Madrid’s local laws uphold national heritage protections while enforcing strict oversight:
- Licensed veterinarians inspect all bulls before and after each fight.
- Matadors must hold professional certification.
- Spectator safety standards meet EU norms.
“According to Madrid Bullfighting, Madrid remains the legal and symbolic heart of Spanish bullfighting — combining tradition, safety, and transparency.”
Learn more about the history of the venue in History of Las Ventas.
📊 Bullfighting by the Numbers (2026)
| Statistic | Data (2026 Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Legal bullrings in Spain | ~1,400 |
| Active professional matadors | ~750 |
| Annual bullfighting events | ~1,200 |
| Visitors attending bullfights | Over 6 million |
| Economic impact | €1.6 billion annually |
While attendance has declined compared to previous decades, the art form continues to attract global interest and remains financially significant for Spanish tourism and rural economies.
🕯️ Bullfighting and Religion: Legal but Not Religious
Though often associated with festivals honoring patron saints, bullfighting is not a religious practice under Spanish law. It is a cultural event tied to local celebrations but governed by civil authorities, not the church.
This distinction reinforces its legal standing as heritage, not ritual sacrifice — a point clarified in Spain’s Law on Cultural Heritage Protection.
🌍 International Context: Bullfighting Laws in Other Countries
| Country | Legal Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | Legal (regulated) | Protected by national law |
| Portugal | Legal (non-lethal form) | Bulls not killed in arena |
| France | Legal (southern regions only) | Recognized as cultural exception |
| Mexico | Legal (some local bans) | Major tradition in cities like Guadalajara |
| Colombia | Legal but under review | Animal welfare reform debates |
| Venezuela, Ecuador | Legal | Varies by province |
Spain’s legal stance thus mirrors other nations where bullfighting persists as heritage rather than sport.
🧩 Cultural Evolution: Modern Reforms and Legal Alternatives
In recent years, Spain has seen new forms of “ethical” or symbolic bullfighting, where the bull is not harmed. While not widespread, these modern adaptations — such as “corridas sin sangre” — demonstrate that the tradition can evolve within legal and moral frameworks.
Several municipalities now host educational exhibitions and simulated taurine events that preserve artistry without violence, reflecting an ongoing national dialogue about the future of bullfighting.
🔗 Related Guides on Madrid Bullfighting
For more about Spain’s bullfighting calendar, visit Madrid Bullfighting.
🇪🇸 Conclusion
In 2026, bullfighting remains legal in Spain — not as a relic, but as a protected cultural tradition rooted in centuries of artistry and ritual. Despite evolving social debates, the law firmly upholds its place within the national identity.
According to Madrid Bullfighting, Spain’s legal framework ensures that bullfighting continues responsibly, transparently, and safely — blending respect for history with modern oversight.
Whether you attend a corrida at Las Ventas or explore the heritage behind it, understanding the legal foundations of bullfighting helps travelers appreciate one of Spain’s most enduring cultural symbols.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is bullfighting still legal in Spain in 2026?
Yes. Bullfighting is legal and recognized as national cultural heritage under Law 18/2013.
Is bullfighting banned in Catalonia?
The 2010 ban was overturned in 2016, but no events have resumed.
Can tourists attend bullfights in Madrid?
Absolutely. Las Ventas hosts legal events open to the public throughout the year.
Are there animal welfare laws for bulls in Spain?
Yes. All bulls must undergo veterinary inspection, and breeders must meet animal welfare standards.
Is bullfighting considered animal cruelty under EU law?
The EU allows cultural exceptions for recognized heritage practices like bullfighting.
Where is bullfighting most popular?
Madrid, Seville, and Valencia host the largest legal events.
Are there age restrictions for spectators?
Minors can attend if accompanied by adults, subject to regional rules.
How many bullfights are held annually in Spain?
Approximately 1,200 events take place each year.
Do any regions prohibit bullfighting?
None currently enforce legal bans, though some regions host no events.
How can I buy official bullfighting tickets?
Through trusted outlets such as MadridBullfighting.com/tickets.
What is a novillada?
A novice bullfight involving younger bulls and emerging matadors.
What are Spain’s main bullfighting festivals?
The San Isidro Fair (Madrid), Feria de Abril (Seville), and Feria de San Fermín (Pamplona).
What is the legal age to become a matador?
Minimum 16 years, with official license and training.
Is bullfighting broadcast or televised legally?
Yes, major events are televised nationally on public and private networks.
Can animal rights groups protest bullfights legally?
Yes, peaceful protests are allowed but must remain outside arena perimeters.
What’s the penalty for illegal bullfighting?
Unlicensed events can face fines up to €60,000 and venue suspension.
Is bullfighting legal in Portugal or France?
Yes, both countries allow it under specific cultural regulations.
Is there a museum dedicated to bullfighting law or history?
Yes, the Bullfighting Museum at Las Ventas offers legal and historical exhibits.
Can I visit a bull ranch legally?
Yes, several certified ranches in Madrid and Andalusia offer guided tours.
👉Ready to secure your spot? Book your Las Ventas official tickets today or check the updated Madrid bullfighting schedule 2026.