Gijón Bullring: El Bibio
Plaza de toros de Gijón
If you’re looking for an experience that blends history, passion, and tradition, Gijón’s Bullring, known as El Bibio, is a must-visit. From its stunning neo-Mudéjar architecture, which has witnessed over a century of bullfighting, to the excitement of the Begoña Fair afternoons, El Bibio is more than just a bullring — it’s the very heart of bullfighting in northern Spain. Here, the art of bullfighting meets the enthusiasm of the people of Gijón, creating an atmosphere that will captivate you from the moment you arrive.
Every afternoon, as the iconic “Asturias, patria querida” plays at the end of the event, you’ll feel chills along with the audience and the bullfighters. It’s no wonder that even the great Federico García Lorca was mesmerised by the energy of El Bibio. And if you’re fortunate enough to witness memorable moments like the famous pardon of Victorino Martín’s bull, “Bienvenido”, you’ll understand why this bullring is a true icon of the bullfighting world. Come and discover it for yourself, and let the magic of Gijón take you away, where every performance is a tribute to passion and artistry.
History of Gijón Bullring
The Gijón Bullring, commonly known as ‘El Bibio’, was born from the need for a suitable venue to host the growing popularity of bullfighting events. Led by Florencio Rodríguez, a ‘indiano’ from Pola de Siero and founder of the Bank of Gijón, the Gijón Bullring Society was established to fund its construction.
Located on the edge of Gijón’s expansion area, in the El Bibio neighbourhood, the construction began on 3 January 1888 under the direction of architect Ignacio Velasco and design by Carlos Velasco Peyronnet. The bullring was built in the characteristic neo-Mudéjar style of the period, inspired by other iconic venues in Spain. The original capacity of 10,000 spectators was considerable for a city with only 20,000 inhabitants at the time, showcasing the ambitious vision of the project.
The bullring officially opened on 12 August 1888 with a historic bullfight featuring renowned matadors Luis Mazzantini and Rafael Guerra “Guerrita”. Throughout its history, El Bibio has undergone significant changes, including a reconstruction in 1941 due to damage sustained during the Spanish Civil War.
In 1951, ownership of the bullring transferred to the Gijón City Council, and in 1992 it was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument, cementing its cultural importance. Today, El Bibio is not only a symbol of the city’s bullfighting heritage but also an architectural testimony to a golden era of bullfighting in Asturias.
How to Get to Gijón Bullring?
The Gijón Bullring is located in the El Bibio neighbourhood, near the Villaviciosa Road, and is easily accessible from various parts of the city:
By Car
You can reach the bullring via the AS-248 road (Villaviciosa Road), taking the exit towards Gijón East. Nearby parking is available at El Molinón Stadium or Parque de Isabel la Católica.
By Public Transport
– Bus: Several city bus lines, including lines 1, 10, and 15, have stops near El Bibio. The closest stop is “El Bibio”, just a few metres from the bullring.
– Taxi: Taxis are another convenient option, as the bullring is only a few minutes from Gijón city centre.
On Foot or by Bicycle
The bullring is about a 20-minute walk from the city centre, following the Paseo de Begoña or Avenida de la Constitución. Gijón also has dedicated bike lanes, making access by bicycle easy.
INTERESTING FACTS Gijón Bullring, El Bibio, in numbers
Second Category
Neo-Mudejar bullring. Asset of Cultural Interest in Spain. It was used as a concentration camp during the Spanish Civil War.
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Subscribers
Performances
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When Are Bullfights Held in Gijón?
Gijón Bullring, known as El Bibio, becomes the epicentre of bullfighting during the Begoña Fair, held annually in August. This event coincides with the festivities in honour of the city’s patron saint, Our Lady of Begoña. It is a time when the best matadors and renowned bull breeders come together to offer unforgettable performances for both locals and visitors.
In addition to the Begoña Fair, the bullring also hosts other occasional bullfighting events throughout the year, such as charity festivals and ‘novilladas’ (young bullfights), providing a varied programme for enthusiasts. El Bibio thus becomes an essential meeting point to enjoy the art of bullfighting and the passion that characterises Asturias’ devoted fans.
For any enquiries regarding ticket reservations, please contact our Customer Service. Call us at +34 96 330 85 93 from Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM. You can also message us on WhatsApp at +34 647 66 93 71 or email us at info@servitoro.com. We will be delighted to answer your questions and help you choose the best show. We are here to assist you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, all children over 4 years of age must pay the full price of an adult ticket.
The policy regarding food entry varies depending on the event organiser. We recommend checking this information directly at the box office of the Bullring before attending.
The event organisers reserve all image and intellectual property rights. Therefore, recording or taking photos (with or without flash) during the bullfight is prohibited.
The venue opens 2 hours before the start of the event. It is advisable to arrive early to avoid crowds and to find your seat with ease.
For safety reasons and out of respect for the event, spectators are not allowed to enter or leave their seats during the bullfight.
Tickets are sent in PDF format to the email address used for the purchase. They must be printed at home and presented in physical form at the entrance. Please note that organisers reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone who does not present their printed ticket.
A bullfight usually lasts between 2 and 3 hours. The duration can vary depending on several factors, such as the number of bullfighters, the behaviour of the bulls, and the dynamics of the bullring.
The main difference between a bullfight and a novillada lies in the type of cattle used and the experience level of the bullfighters.
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Cattle: In a bullfight, the animals involved are adult bulls, aged between 4 and 6 years. These bulls are larger, stronger, and more challenging to handle. In contrast, in a novillada, the bulls are younger, typically aged between 2 and 3 years. These younger bulls, known as novillos, are less physically developed and generally easier to manage compared to fully grown bulls.
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Bullfighters: In traditional bullfights, the matadores are seasoned professionals, often with a well-established reputation. They face mature bulls, which require a high level of skill and experience. On the other hand, in a novillada, the participants are novilleros, or apprentice bullfighters, who handle younger bulls as part of their training process. This allows them to showcase their abilities before progressing to larger and more dangerous bulls.
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Level of Difficulty: Bullfights are generally more challenging due to the increased aggressiveness and size of the adult bulls, which demand greater expertise from the bullfighters. In contrast, novilladas are seen as an opportunity for learning and skill development, providing a less hazardous environment for aspiring bullfighters.
In summary, while bullfights are the main arena for experienced matadores, novilladas offer young bullfighters the chance to demonstrate their talent in a less risky setting.
