The wait is over! If you’re a fan of the fiesta or simply curious about experiencing an afternoon of bullfighting during Aste Nagusia, we have the news you’ve been waiting for. It’s now official, and here at Descubre Donostia, we’re bringing you all the details of the bullfighting lineup for the 2025 San Sebastián Semana Grande. The Illumbe Bullring is getting ready to welcome some of the most important figures in the world of bullfighting for a fair that promises intense emotions. Grab your handkerchief, because this is starting now!
The bullfighting fair is one of the hearts that keeps Donostia’s Big Week beating. It’s a social meeting point and a tradition that, once again, is renewed with matchups of maximum interest for the aficionado. The BMF company has unveiled three events that will take place from August 14th to 16th. We’ll break them down for you day by day!
Official Bullfighting Lineup for Semana Grande San Sebastián 2025
This year’s fair is condensed but loaded with highlights. Three afternoons that combine the art of established matadors, the courage of those fighting for their spot, and the fresh appeal of horseback bullfighting and new talents. Write down these dates and names!
Thursday, August 14th: An Afternoon of Art and Finesse
- Ranch: Bulls from Vellosino (Salamanca).
- Matadors: Juan Ortega, Borja Jiménez, and Pablo Aguado.
The fair kicks off with a spectacular bill for the most refined palates. Three bullfighters from Seville who are synonymous with art and skill. Juan Ortega, with his classicism; Borja Jiménez, the great revelation of last season, built on overwhelming courage and truth; and Pablo Aguado, the current holder of the “Concha de Oro” (Golden Shell) award for being the top bullfighter of the 2024 fair. An afternoon to enjoy top-quality bullfighting!
Friday, August 15th: A Mixed Bill with Morante at the Helm
- Ranch: Bulls and young bulls from Núñez del Cuvillo (Cádiz).
- Performers: Morante de la Puebla, Marco Pérez, and Olga Casado (novillera).
The main day of the festival brings a unique and highly attractive combination. The genius of Morante de la Puebla headlines a mixed event where he will be joined by the very young phenomenon Marco Pérez, who will fight novillos (young bulls). The lineup is completed by Olga Casado, a rising female novillera (junior bullfighter) who is generating great excitement. A unique opportunity to see a legend, a prodigy, and a promising star on the same afternoon.
Saturday, August 16th: A Grand Finale with Rejones and Top Figures
- Ranch: Bulls from El Capea (for horseback) and Zalduendo (for foot bullfighting).
- Performers: Guillermo Hermoso de Mendoza, José María Manzanares, and Alejandro Talavante.
The finishing touch to the fair will be another mixed event. Opening the show is the world’s best rejoneador (horseback bullfighter), Guillermo Hermoso de Mendoza, with his spectacular stable of horses. He will be followed by two undisputed figures of bullfighting on foot: the elegance and classicism of José María Manzanares and the deep, unpredictable style of Alejandro Talavante. A top-tier closing to bid farewell to Aste Nagusia.
Did you know…? The Illumbe bullring, also known as the Donostia Arena, is a covered venue. This means that, rain or shine (always a possibility in Donosti), the bullfight is 100% guaranteed to happen. There’s no excuse to miss it!
Tickets for the San Sebastián’s Semana Grande at Illumbe: How and When to Buy Them
Now that you know the incredible lineup, you’ll want to secure your spot. We’ll explain how to get your tickets for the Bullfights at San Sebastián’s Semana Grande.
- Online Sales: This is the most convenient and fastest way. Official sales are handled through the management company’s website, BMF Toros (https://www.bmftoros.com/). Tickets usually go on sale very soon after the lineups are announced!
- Phone Sales: BMF also provides phone numbers for purchasing season passes and individual tickets.
- Plaza Box Office: for those who prefer the traditional method, the box offices at Illumbe will open a few days before the start of the fair.
Season passes (abonos) for all three events are typically available now, offering a discount on the price of single tickets. If you want to experience the full fair, it’s your best option.
Expert Tip: The atmosphere in the sun-drenched sections (sol) is incredibly festive, perfect for going with a group of friends. If you’re looking to watch the bullfight in greater detail and comfort, we recommend the shaded sections (sombra). You choose your experience!
Getting to Illumbe and Living the Full Experience
The bullring is located in the Amara neighborhood, next to the Reale Arena stadium. Although it’s not in the city center, getting there is very easy:
- Bus: During Semana Grande, the bus lines (Dbus) connecting the Boulevard with the Amara area and the plaza are reinforced. This is the most recommended option.
- On Foot: It’s about a 30-minute walk from the City Center or the Old Town. A great way to get into the festive mood.
The bullfighting experience extends beyond the arena. In the hours leading up to it, the surrounding bars fill with people, and afterward, the party awaits you in every corner of the city. Don’t forget that the corridas are the perfect plan before heading to watch the spectacular fireworks over La Concha Bay, the grand finale to each day of the Semana Grande de San Sebastián.
Conclusion: A Fair You Can’t Afford to Miss
The 2025 San Sebastián bullfighting fair looks thrilling. A well-rounded lineup with established figures, powerful young talents, and combinations for all tastes. It’s an essential date on the Aste Nagusia calendar and a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the most vibrant traditions of our festivities.
Now that you have all the information, you just have to pick your favorite day (or come to them all!).
What do you think of this year’s lineup? Which bullfight will you not miss for the world? Leave us your opinion in the comments and share this article so no one is left out!
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