26/04 Madrid (18:00) Toros. PDF FILE

Madrid Bullfight – 26 April 2026 | San Isidro Season

Madrid’s main bullfighting season begins with a contest of maximum seriousness. On 26 April 2026, the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas will host a corrida featuring bulls from the renowned Portuguese ranch Palha, a symbol of integrity, strength and demanding bloodlines. On the bill are three committed and experienced matadors: Sánchez Vara, Francisco José Espada and Luis Gerpe.

This is a carefully structured line-up in keeping with Madrid’s most exacting standards: well-presented bulls and matadors accustomed to facing challenging ranches.

The Pre-Feria Bullfight: Madrid and the True Fighting Bull

To speak of Palha is to speak of excitement. This historic Portuguese brand is known for breeding mobile, powerful bulls that demand technical precision and courage. In Madrid, where the audience analyses every detail, Palha bulls often make a decisive impact.

The 26 April corrida is not just another date in the calendar. It serves as the curtain-raiser to the San Isidro season, setting the tone for what follows.

The Line-up, Matador by Matador

Sánchez Vara (Guadalajara, 1979)

A matador with a solid and respected career, Sánchez Vara is known for his experience in demanding bullfights and his training at the Marcial Lalanda School. He took his alternativa in Sacedón in 2000 and confirmed it in Madrid in 2003.

He has delivered memorable performances at Las Ventas, including cutting an ear from a Moreno Silva bull in 2015 and his powerful fight with the legendary “Cazarrata” in 2016. His 2023 season was particularly notable, with 25 ears won and several two-trophy performances, as well as major triumphs in arenas such as Jadraque, Cella and Barbastro. He has also left his mark in France, especially in Arles.

Francisco José Espada (Fuenlabrada, 1993)

A matador of strong projection, Espada is recognised for his composure and classical style. He took his alternativa in Cuenca in 2015, leaving the arena carried on shoulders, and confirmed it in Madrid in 2017 after previously standing out there as a novillero.

His career includes important awards such as the Espiga de Plata in Calasparra, victories in prestigious novice competitions and even pardons granted in Yecla and Lima. In recent seasons he has celebrated major triumphs in arenas including La Adrada, Arenas de San Pedro and his hometown of Fuenlabrada.

Luis Gerpe (Seseña, 1993)

Luis Gerpe is a matador defined by firmness and refined technique, also trained at the Marcial Lalanda School. He made his debut with picadors in Bogotá in 2011 and has built a reputation for reliability against demanding bloodlines.

As a novillero, he enjoyed a standout 2013 season, winning 17 ears. As a fully fledged matador, he has celebrated major victories in Jadraque and delivered significant performances in French arenas such as Vic-Fezensac and Orthez. His steady evolution places him among the most serious and committed bullfighters of his generation.

How to Enjoy a Bullfight at Las Ventas Even More: Libro Toro

Discover the Step-by-Step Structure of the Spectacle.

If this is your first time in Madrid — or if you would like to deepen your understanding — we recommend the Libro Toro, a true mini encyclopaedia of bullfighting.

Inside, you will learn:

• The different stages of the fight

• The meaning of the tercio de varas, banderillas and muleta

• What the presiding authority evaluates

• How ears are awarded

• The crucial role of the Madrid audience

Understanding each detail will allow you to follow the action in the ring with greater insight and enjoy the corrida more intensely. Once you understand the ritual, the experience changes completely.

Official Tickets for Madrid – 26 April 2026

Avoid Fraud – Buy Safely with Servitoro.

Servitoro has over 15 years’ experience promoting San Isidro and providing official tickets to spectators from all over the world. Our work has helped international visitors discover bullfighting in its most emblematic arena.

As an official ticketing service for the bullring, we offer:

• 100% online purchase, simple and secure

• Direct order confirmation

• No queues or unnecessary waiting at the box office

Promoter surcharge: 10% + €12 booking fee per ticket.

Security for Your Online Purchase.

• Please check your email address carefully before confirming your order.

• Make sure you receive our emails (purchase confirmation and status updates).

• If you cannot find them, please check your spam or junk folder.

We strongly recommend reading Servitoro’s Purchase Conditions carefully.

If you have any questions, please contact our customer service team:

• +34 96 330 85 93

• WhatsApp: +34 647 66 93 71

Important Access Information

• Tickets will be sent in PDF format 3–4 days before the event.

• Tickets must be printed on paper. Entry will not be allowed with digital tickets or mobile devices.

• The printed ticket must be presented at the entrance and will be validated by scanner.

• If multiple copies of the same ticket exist, only the first one presented will be valid.

• The purchase invoice does not grant access to the event.

• It is recommended to arrive at least one hour in advance, check your entrance gate and locate your seat calmly.

• Once the bullfight has begun, access to seats will not be permitted.

Important – Issues or incidents

In the event of any issue, please do not go to the ticket office, as they will not be able to assist you.

You must contact our customer service team directly:

• WhatsApp: +34 647 66 93 71

• clientes@servitoro.com

Organiser’s notes

• Approximate duration of the event: 120 minutes.

• It is recommended to arrive 1–2 hours in advance to avoid queues and crowds.

• Special tickets (reduced mobility, youth, pensioners, etc.) are sold exclusively at the ticket office, subject to availability.

Experience Madrid. Pre-San Isidro Bullfight. 26 April 2026 is more than just a date: it is an encounter with the integrity of the fighting bull and the authenticity of bullfighting at its highest level. Secure your seat in advance and prepare to feel the unique atmosphere of Las Ventas on the eve of the San Isidro Festival.