Hello-When is the best time to see a bullfight in Madrid or Ronda and best way to make a reservation? Thank you...

I attended the bullfights in Madrid in May a couple years back. We bought tickets the morning of the fight from a ticket office. All the cafe waiters knew where to send us for our tickets. I think the fights have a season like other sports.<BR><BR>A word of caution- Bull fights are extremely gorey and many find the "games" quite abusive to animals. If you have these types of views I strongly suggest not going. There is quite in depth history of bull fighting and why things are done. You will see blood, the bulls all are killed. I am assuming you know this but some people don't. I have been to fights in Mexico and Madrid and both times my companions were appalled.

I'm always happy to hear when the matadors are killed. Unfortunately, this doesn't happen very often because the cowards usually drug the poor animals.

Are there any bullfights in Barcelona? If so, how could I find out the schedule and purchase tickets? Anyone know of any website online I could use to research this?<BR><BR>

I went to a bullfight in Madrid last Sept. I got the tickets at the ticket booth about an hour before the fight. I was talked into getting a little more expensive seats, but the row of seats we had did not look better than the cheapest seats at the top. Summers in Madrid could be hot and humid, so summer may not be a good time to be there, depending on how heat bothers you.<BR>Ronda has that Goyesca (I think that's what it's called) festival where participants and dignitaries dress up in the Goya period costumes for the bullfight. That's probably the best time to see a bullfight in Ronda, but I don't remember when it's held and I don't know how to go about getting tickets. There was no bullfight the time I was in Ronda, but it was fun to go to the ring and to see its interesting museum.

DB: Just because you don't agree with something doesn't mean you should say such a horrible thing! I am from Spain (Madrid -- live in NYC) and don't agree with bullfights but I certainly would not wish death upon the matador!! The history and tradition of bullfighting is an integral part of the culture of Spain and is regarding by many as not just a sport but an art form.

Sorry Michelle--<BR><BR>See no sport, see no art form...just plain old slow, bloody death for the beautiful beast.

I too would be utterly repulsed by the bullfight, but as a professional costumer, I see art in the matador's attire. How can they bear to risk having these ornate costumes splattered with blood? And why can't we see men dressed like this in other, more pleasant, venues?

Dina: I took your advice and dressd like a matador today at work. The reaction of the people here at the asbestos plant confirms what you say: They have no sense of style. (Now, where'd they hide that darn hat?!?!)

To Michelle and Alissa<BR><BR>Why would you want to see something so barbaric as a bullfight. If it were a fair and square fight it still wouldn't be okay. The bulls have already been stabbed before they even enter the arena. <BR><BR>What kind of people are these bullfighters that can kill an animal and then go home and sleep at night?<BR><BR>This is the 21st Century. There is no need for public display of slaughtering an animal. <BR>

If you are a sick, perverted, sadistical type then go to the bull fight. If you like to see an animal tortured and then killed just for the so called sport of it you are SICK SICK SICK! I only pray that from this day on the matadors lose every fight and get a large horn up their yahoo.

Look<BR><BR>If those of you who think bullfighting is cruel and sadistic....don't attend. This is a part of the Hispanic culture and for those of you knocking this, you need to get over it! I'm sure there are several things that the Hispanic population doesn't agree with regarding our culture, but I sure don't see that posted on these boards.

Mike you are right...the hispanics disagree with the fact that we like to deport them after they have cut our grass and trimmed our hedges.

I fail to see how objecting to bullfights when asked about attending one does not belong on a travel board? This is not a case of bashing someone's cultural heritage. I wish it was as easy to stop cruelty to animals as simply exercising one's right not to observe such cruelty, but it's not. People will keep defending it as though it were on par with maintaining a national holiday or prohibiting the use of imported grapes in wine making. It's not the same thing. If you put protecting the tradition ahead of protecting the animal then I don't know how you live with yourself. If you do not support cruelty to animals at home then don't support it abroad.

bit of reality here people.<BR>If you eat steak, or wear leather shoes you are supporting the abuse of animals.<BR><BR>And don't give me that line about how humane slaughter houses are.<BR>Go to one.<BR>have a look around.<BR>Then tell me it's humane.<BR><BR>

ThomR, I agree with you, that's why I don't eat mammals. But at least no one goes to the slaughterhouse to be entertained. It makes no difference to the animals of course, but it does for us.

Leory: Please don't leave your home. The world is a dangerous place for people like you. Now take your meds and shut up.<BR><BR>As I mentioned in my post, I disagree with bullfighting. My point was not to wish something horrible upon someone because you disagree with them.

Here's something that might actually help answer the question at hand. It's the link to Madrid's plaza de toros, answering all the questions:<BR><BR>http://www.las-ventas.com/index.htm<BR><BR>Please note that the site is in Spanish.<BR><BR>It is certainly an experience. <BR><BR>Personally, I don't feel that illiterate and shallow tirades are appropriate here, and will refrain from responding to those who engage in them. Maybe they'll go away.<BR><BR>

First of all, the good news,the Spanish themselves are finally losing interest in bullfights-older people watch them on TV-really dreadful,too many closeups. In Madrid I always take groups to the bullring on the morning of the bullfight.The back entrance is open,you can see the chapel,the horses and bulls that are going to be participating that day-promptly begins at 5PM.At las Ventas you can go into the museum -really interesting.You will see the older men discussing the bulls,horses,matadors.If you're lucky and charming,they will let you into the actual bullring,totally different perspective!Then I ask who in the group would like to attend in the afternoon..I am always AMAZED how many express disgust but then change their minds and not only go but stay the entire time,eating ice-cream!<BR>The tickets I buy are always in the shade sombra but also the cheapest -way at the top-better view and less awful smell. Don't go to your seat,buy your cushion and then ask around and find out where the entrance to the ring is from the chapel.Wait there and be right next to the matadors all decked out as they enter the ring. Then go to your seat,you will have time because all the participants have to line up for the parade. I always tell the group to get up and leave as soon as they have had enough,watch the opening parade and as much of the bullfight as you can stomach.I warn that in Spain the bull will always die,different from in Mexico.To be honest,the majority of the bullfights are boring and not very well done anymore.The bulls many times take quite alot of coaxing-they are not that happy to be there in the ring! <BR>Thank goodness the crazy days seem to be coming to an end but if in Spain and you have the opportunity just go and see the drama for yourself,then you have the absolute right to say I went and it was ----!I believe in a couple of generations bullfighting will become history.

Alissa asked questions, she deserves answers to her questions. no need to pass judgement on morality or immorality.