History of the Fair in Honor of the Holy Christ of the Remedies of San Sebastián de los Reyes
The Fair in Honor of the Holy Christ of the Remedies of San Sebastián de los Reyes (Madrid) is one of the most emblematic celebrations in the Community of Madrid and a landmark event, both for its religious tradition and its important bullfighting program. Held every year at the end of August, it brings together thousands of locals and visitors for festivities declared of great interest due to their historical and cultural significance.
The origin of these festivities dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries, when the town's inhabitants began to worship the Holy Christ of the Remedies, patron saint of San Sebastián de los Reyes. This deep popular devotion gave rise to religious celebrations that, over time, incorporated festive activities, eventually becoming one of the most important events of the Madrid summer.
The Running of the Bulls: A Centuries-Old Tradition
One of the most distinctive features of the fair is the famous Running of the Bulls in San Sebastián de los Reyes, considered among the most prestigious in Spain after those in Pamplona. Its documented origins date back to 1525, when there were already references to the movement of bulls from the countryside to the bullring for the bullfights.
Every morning of the fair, thousands of runners participate in the running of the bulls through the town's streets, following a centuries-old tradition that has made San Sebastián de los Reyes the well-known "Little Pamplona." The organization, safety measures, and large crowds make these bull runs one of the most prominent bullfighting events on the national calendar.
A Top-Tier Bullfighting Fair
The La Tercera Bullring is the main venue for a bullfighting fair that brings together the leading figures in bullfighting every year. Matadors, rejoneadores (mounted bullfighters), and promising young talents are part of the lineups that place San Sebastián de los Reyes among the most important bullfighting festivals in Spain.
For several days, bullfights, novilladas (bullfights with young bulls), rejoneo (bullfights on horseback), and other popular festivities take place, keeping alive a tradition deeply rooted in the town and throughout the Community of Madrid.
Tradition, Culture, and Participation
In addition to its bullfighting significance, the Feria del Santísimo Cristo de los Remedios (Fair of the Holy Christ of the Remedies) offers a wide range of activities for all ages: concerts, children's activities, sporting events, parades, cultural performances, booths, and numerous religious services in honor of the patron saint.
The procession of the Santísimo Cristo de los Remedios is one of the most moving moments of the festivities, bringing together hundreds of faithful who accompany the image through the town's streets in a display of faith and tradition.
Today, the Feria del Santísimo Cristo de los Remedios continues to be one of Madrid's most important celebrations, where devotion, popular culture and bullfighting come together to offer a unique experience that attracts thousands of fans and visitors from all over Spain every year.