Bullfighting History of the Fair and Festivals in Honor of Saint Bartholomew
The Fair and Festivals in honor of Saint Bartholomew are among the most important events on the festive calendar of numerous Spanish towns. Traditionally celebrated around August 24th, the feast day of the patron saint, Saint Bartholomew the Apostle, these festivities combine religious ceremonies, popular activities, and a deeply rooted bullfighting tradition that, in many municipalities, dates back several centuries.
Bullfighting events originated as part of the patron saint celebrations, when locals and ranchers organized bullfights and bull runs to commemorate the saint's feast day. Over time, these popular celebrations evolved into established bullfighting fairs, featuring lineups with renowned matadors, rejoneadores (mounted bullfighters), and promising young talents.
Depending on the location, the bullfighting program may include bullfights, novilladas (bullfights with young bulls), rejoneo (bullfights on horseback), recortadores (bull-leaping) competitions, encierros (running of the bulls), and releases of cattle, keeping alive the traditions passed down through generations. These celebrations attract thousands of fans and visitors each year, contributing to the festive atmosphere and the economic development of the municipality.
The connection between San Bartolomé and bullfighting has allowed many of these festivals to become a benchmark on the summer bullfighting calendar, ranking among the last major events before the start of the traditional September fairs.
Currently, the San Bartolomé Fair and Festivals continue to be a meeting point for enthusiasts, where tradition, culture, and bullfighting come together to offer a highly engaging program. Each edition keeps alive the historical legacy of these festivities, which form part of Spain's cultural and festive heritage, consolidating the passion for bullfighting and the prominence of bullrings during the month of August.
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