Zaragoza Bullfight Tickets 2026

History of the Zaragoza Bullring

Until the 18th century, Zaragoza's bullfights were held in temporary venues, such as the area around the Aljafería, Calle del Coso or the Magdalena district. In 1762, Ferdinand VI authorised the construction of a permanent bullring, following the model of the one used for bullfighting festivities in Madrid.

A bullring to support the Casa de Misericordia

The bullring was the initiative of Ramón Pignatelli, a canon and administrator of Zaragoza's Hospital and Casa de Misericordia. His idea was that the proceeds from the bullfights would care for the orphaned and abandoned children who received education and food at that charitable institution. Hence the name "La Misericordia". The former orphanage is now the Pignatelli Building, the seat of the Government of Aragón.

In April 1764 the deeds to the Campo y las Eras del Toro were signed, the land where the bullring still stands. The first bullring, made of wood, was built in about seventy days and opened in October 1764, on the eve of the Pilar festivities. The original design is attributed to Julián Yarza.

The reforms

Over time, the wood was replaced with brick and stone. The first significant repair came in 1789 and a larger one in 1895. Between 1916 and 1918, architects Miguel Ángel Navarro and Manuel Martínez de Ubago carried out the reform that gave the bullring its current look, with a neo-Mudéjar style, arcades and walkways, and reinforced concrete inside.

The reform was so thorough that the bullring is said to be practically two bullrings in one. An outer façade and perimeter were added to the original 18th-century structure, which was left enclosed inside.

Between 1989 and 1990 a retractable roof was installed over the ring, making La Misericordia the first bullring in Spain with a roof. In 2002 all the stands were replaced with wider, more comfortable seats, and capacity fell from 14,300 to 10,070.

A La Misericordia tradition

During the fair, after the sixth bull of the afternoon leaves the ring, it is a custom at this bullring to play the "Jota de los toros de Zaragoza", also known as the "Jota del último toro" (the last bull's jota).

Pilar Bullfighting Fair 2026

The Pilar Bullfighting Fair is La Misericordia's great event. In 2026, seven major events were scheduled between Saturday 10 and Sunday 18 October, coinciding with the Fiestas del Pilar. The bills were presented on 8 September 2026 by the Provincial Council of Zaragoza and the company that manages the bullring.

Pilar Bullfighting Fair 2026 bills

• Saturday 10 October: novillada with picadors with Mario Vilau, Jesús Yglesias and David Sejas, facing young bulls from Los Maños.
• Sunday 11 October: bullfight with José María Manzanares, Alejandro Talavante and Cristiano Torres, with bulls from Puerto de San Lorenzo and La Ventana del Puerto.
• Monday 12 October (Pilar Day): bullfight with Miguel Ángel Perera, Daniel Luque and David de Miranda, with bulls from Juan Pedro Domecq.
• Thursday 15 October: bullfight with Emilio de Justo, Borja Jiménez and Tomás Rufo, with bulls from Montalvo.
• Friday 16 October: bullfight with Morante de la Puebla, Sebastián Castella and Aarón Palacio, with bulls from Hermanos García Jiménez and Olga Jiménez Fernández.
• Saturday 17 October: bullfight with Morante de la Puebla, Diego Urdiales and Iker Fernández "El Mene", who was taking his alternativa (the ceremony that makes a novillero a full matador), with bulls from six ranches: José Vázquez, Zalduendo, Victoriano del Río, Garcigrande, Alcurrucén and Carmen Lorenzo.
• Sunday 18 October: rejones bullfight (on horseback) with Rui Fernandes, Diego Ventura and Duarte Fernandes, with bulls from Ángel Sánchez y Sánchez.

Morante de la Puebla was the only bullfighter announced for two afternoons. The bills were published with 17:30 as the reference start time for the afternoon events; always confirm the time of each event when you buy.

You can see this series on the Zaragoza Pilar Fair 2026 tickets page.

Popular Events of the Pilar Festivities at La Misericordia

The Zaragoza bullring doesn't only host bullfights during the Pilar. Its programme of popular events is one of the hallmarks of the fair. In 2026 it included:

• 11 to 18 October, at 8:00: vaquillas (young cows released in the ring) every morning.
• Sunday 11, 23:00: XL Spanish Roscaderos Championship.
• Monday 12, 11:30: Spanish Goyesco Bull Leaping Championship (recortes con toros).
• Tuesday 13, 11:30: encierro de mansos (run of tame steers).
• Wednesday 14, 10:00: vaquillas for minors.
• Friday 16, 23:00: emboladores contest with Arriazu capones and a special with obstacles.
• Saturday 17, 11:30: Grand Prix, Aragón Championship 2026, between municipalities of the province.
• Saturday 17, 23:00: XIV Bull Leaping with Fire Bulls Contest.
• Sunday 18, 11:30: XLIII Spanish Ring Leapers Championship (recortadores con anillas).

The popular events change from one edition to the next, so always check the programme for the year.

The Fiestas del Pilar in Zaragoza

The Fiestas del Pilar are held in honour of the Virgen del Pilar, the city's patron saint, during the week of 12 October. In 2026 they ran from 10 to 18 October. The big day is the 12th, with the massive Ofrenda de Flores (flower offering) to the Virgin in Plaza del Pilar.

San Jorge Fair: Zaragoza's Other Bullfighting Season

La Misericordia holds two bullfighting seasons a year. Besides the Pilar in October, the bullring has the San Jorge Fair in April, coinciding with the feast of Aragón's patron saint. The bills and dates of each edition are published progressively, so check the list on this page to see which events are on sale.

Entry Rules for the Zaragoza Bullring

These are the entry rules published by the Zaragoza bullring. They may vary by event, so always check the instructions for the event you buy.

• Children: they need a ticket regardless of age, unless stated otherwise.
• Food: you may bring packaged food that does not require cutlery. Glass containers are not allowed.
• Drinks: in plastic containers without a cap and with a maximum capacity of 50 cl. Alcoholic drinks are not allowed.
• Backpacks and bags: small ones only, up to 25 litres.
• Cameras: still cameras are allowed, but not professional video cameras or live streaming of the event.
• Not allowed: motorcycle helmets, selfie sticks, baby strollers and banners with poles. Signs or messages up to A3 size may be brought in.
• Umbrellas: only folding ones.
• During the bullfight: Aragón's bullfighting regulations require you to stay seated in your seat and not to enter or leave it while each animal is being fought. Throwing cushions or other objects is also forbidden.
• Changing seats: your ticket only gives access to the seat indicated on it.

Viewing the apartado (sorting of the bulls)

At the formal events (novilladas, bullfights and rejones bullfights) you can go in to see the apartado, where the bulls are sorted. Access is free until capacity is reached and is via Calle Benjamín Jarnés (Callejón Telefónica) from 11:30.

How to Get to the Zaragoza Bullring

La Misericordia bullring is at Calle Ramón Pignatelli, 85 (50004 Zaragoza), according to Zaragoza City Council. It is right in the city centre, next to the Pignatelli Building, the former orphanage that gave it its name.

For people with reduced mobility, the lift is reached via Calle Benjamín Jarnés.

You can check the route from your location with this link: view the Zaragoza bullring on Google Maps.

Zaragoza lies between Madrid and Barcelona. By AVE high-speed train, the journey from Madrid takes roughly an hour and a quarter and from Barcelona about an hour and a half. During the Fiestas del Pilar, book your accommodation and transport well in advance.

Guided Visits to La Misericordia

The Provincial Council of Zaragoza organises guided visits to the bullring. The tour starts at the Pignatelli mosaic, which explains the origin of the name "La Misericordia", and continues to the chapel and the museums in the galleries beneath the stands. Distinguished visitors to the bullring are said to include Ernest Hemingway and the actress Ava Gardner.

The dates and conditions of the visits change, so check them with the Provincial Council of Zaragoza before planning your day.

What to See in Zaragoza Before or After the Bullfight

Zaragoza has a historic centre that is easy to explore on foot. Here are some highlights to round off your day at the bullfight.

• Basílica del Pilar: a Baroque gem on Plaza del Pilar, on the banks of the Ebro. Entry is free and you can go up one of its towers.
• Plaza del Pilar: the city's most emblematic square. It brings together the Basilica, La Seo, the Lonja and the City Hall.
• La Seo (Cathedral of the Saviour): Zaragoza's other cathedral, a few metres from the Basilica on the same square.
• Aljafería Palace: an 11th-century Moorish palace, with visits to its rooms.
• Puente de Piedra: a 15th-century bridge over the Ebro, from which you can see the Basílica del Pilar, especially at sunset.
• Roman walls: remains of Caesaraugusta preserved in several sections of the old town.
• El Tubo: the city's most famous bar and tapas district.

Check the opening times of each monument before you go, especially during the Fiestas del Pilar.

What to Eat in Zaragoza

Zaragoza has a strong tapas tradition, with El Tubo at its heart. Among the most characteristic products of Aragonese cuisine are:

• Ternasco (young Aragonese lamb).
• Borrajas (borage).
• Cariñena wines.
• Calanda peaches.

More Bullfighting in Zaragoza

To see which other events are scheduled in the city, visit our Zaragoza bullfighting tickets page.

You can also explore the other bullrings available at Taquilla Oficial, see all the bullfights and events on sale or read the latest bullfighting news.