15/05 San Isidro (19:00) Bulls. PDF FILE

San Isidro 2026: Madrid’s Patron Saint Day at Las Ventas

San Isidro Fair – Feast of San Isidro Labrador

San Isidro: the world epicentre of bullfighting

On Friday the 15th, Madrid celebrates its patron saint, San Isidro Labrador, and does so as tradition dictates: with a major bullfight at Las Ventas. This is no ordinary date in the bullfighting calendar. It is one of the most symbolic afternoons of the entire fair, a day when the Madrid crowd fills the stands and raises the level of expectation to its highest point.

On this special occasion, bulls from El Torero will be fought — a breeding well established at major events, renowned for its seriousness, presentation and a style of charging that demands commitment, authority and depth. An encierro that turns every muletazo into a test and often makes the difference when it falls into capable hands.

The line-up brings together three matadors with clearly defined styles and proven credentials:

• Diego Urdiales, a matador of classical concept and extreme purity, especially appreciated by the Madrid crowd when he succeeds in expressing his most sincere and natural bullfighting.

• Fortes, a symbol of resilience and courage, with a career marked by commitment and determination in the most demanding arenas.

• Fernando Adrián, one of the most promising names on today’s circuit, who arrives at San Isidro with ambition and the aim of firmly establishing himself at the top level.

A combination of artistry, truth and ambition that perfectly matches the solemn nature of San Isidro Day — an afternoon where every detail matters and where success carries a special value.

San Isidro is not just a fair; it is a cultural celebration deeply rooted in Madrid’s history. Experiencing this date at Las Ventas is to understand why this bullring sets the pace of bullfighting worldwide.

San Isidro Labrador: why is 15 May a public holiday?

Because it marks the feast day of San Isidro, Madrid’s patron saint since the 17th century. Devotion to the saint is closely linked to the city’s history: he is credited with miracles related to water and the fertility of the land — essential elements in Madrid’s life before it became a great metropolis.

For this reason, every 15 May Madrid pays tribute to its patron saint with religious ceremonies, popular celebrations and, of course, one of the most eagerly awaited bullfighting events of the year.

What do people in Madrid do on 15 May?

Although each family has its own traditions, there are customs repeated across almost every neighbourhood:

1. Go to the Pradera de San Isidro

The heart of the celebrations. This is where the traditional pilgrimage takes place, with music, dancing and food stalls. Locals dress as chulapos and chulapas, take photos by the barrel organs and enjoy the traditional atmosphere.

2. Drink water from the saint’s spring

One of the oldest traditions: drinking water from the fountain at the Hermitage of San Isidro, believed to have miraculous properties. A symbolic gesture that connects the city with its past.

3. Eat rosquillas

An essential treat:

• Tontas

• Listas

• Santa Clara

• Francesas

Everyone has a favourite, but it is common to buy a mixed box and share it with family.

4. Dance a chotis

In squares, parks or improvised stages. The chotis is Madrid’s traditional dance, and on 15 May it can be heard throughout the city.

5. Enjoy street parties and concerts

Plaza Mayor, Las Vistillas and the Pradera host performances, children’s activities and free shows throughout the day.

6. And, of course, go to the bullfight

15 May is one of the most emblematic dates of the San Isidro Fair. Las Ventas is filled to capacity, and many locals feel the celebration is not complete without an afternoon of bullfighting.

From spectator to informed fan: transform your experience at the bullring

To enjoy the event even more, you can add the Toro Book to your purchase — a practical mini-encyclopaedia designed to help any spectator understand a bullfight in a clear and engaging way.

With the Toro Book you will quickly learn:

• how a bullfight unfolds step by step,

• the different stages of the fight,

• the role of each participant,

• and which elements distinguish a correct performance from a great one.

It is the perfect complement both for first-time visitors and for those who want to deepen their understanding and experience San Isidro with greater insight.

👉 Buy The Bullfighting Book and become an expert in just 10 minutes. Buy the Toro Book and become an expert before you arrive at the bullring.

Guaranteed access to the bullring with Servitoro

Official tickets and secure online purchase

Buying your tickets through Servitoro guarantees security, convenience and an official purchase. As the official ticket sales service of Las Ventas Bullring.

• Guaranteed official tickets

• Simple online purchasing process

• Secure payment gateway

• Specialist customer service

Surcharge applied by the promoter: 10% + €12 handling fee per ticket.

🔔 Important: please carefully check your email address when making your purchase and make sure you receive our emails (order confirmation and status updates).

If you cannot see our messages, please check all your inbox folders, including Spam or Junk Mail.

We recommend reading the Servitoro Terms and Conditions of Purchase carefully. If you have any questions, please contact our customer service team on +34 96 330 85 93 or via WhatsApp +34 647 66 93 71.

Important information about access to the bullring

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

• Tickets must be printed on paper.

• The printed ticket must be handed over at the entrance, where it will be validated by scanner.

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

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

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

• Once the bullfight has started, access to your seat will not be permitted.

Important – Incidents

In the event of any issue, do not go to the box office, as they will not be able to offer a solution.

Please contact our customer service team directly:

• WhatsApp: +34 647 66 93 71

• Email: clientes@servitoro.com

Our team will assist you personally.

Organiser’s notes

• Duration of the event: 120 minutes.

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

• The sale of special tickets (reduced mobility, young people, pensioners, etc.) will take place exclusively at the box office, subject to availability.

Live the day of San Isidro at Las Ventas

San Isidro Day is one of those dates that perfectly explains the greatness of this fair — and this bullfight promises to live up to a tradition that only Madrid knows how to keep alive.