Bullfighting and Food Trucks Under the Stars

Staying in Madrid this July? Your perfect evening plan is here! Combine the excitement of emerging bullfighting talent with outstanding local cuisine at Las Ventas. Thursday nights under the Madrid sky – can you think of a better way to spend a summer evening?

Summer in Madrid takes on a special character when warm evenings, exceptional local food and the excitement of traditional Spanish bullfighting come together. As the afternoon heat begins to fade, the iconic Las Ventas Bullring transforms every Thursday into the centrepiece of one of the city’s most popular summer events: the evening novillada series known as Cénate Las Ventas (“Dine at Las Ventas”).

Now celebrating its seventh edition, what makes this event truly special is the unique atmosphere that surrounds it before, during and after the bullfight. The monumental bullring opens its doors at 8:00 pm, inviting visitors to explore the impressive upper galleries and terraces. Here, a vibrant food market comes to life, bringing together a carefully selected range of food trucks and stalls showcasing some of the finest products from the Madrid region.

Strolling beneath the magnificent Neo-Mudéjar architecture while enjoying a gourmet beef burger from the nearby mountains, handmade empanadas, artisan cheeses, traditional cured meats or succulent lamb is an experience unlike any other. Everything can be paired with wines from Madrid’s own Designation of Origin vineyards or an ice-cold beer.

And the evening does not end with the final applause. After the bullfight, the galleries and terraces remain open until 1:30 am, accompanied by live music and a lively social atmosphere, allowing visitors to make the most of Madrid’s warm summer nights.

From a bullfighting perspective, the competition serves as a true showcase for the sport’s next generation. Starting at 9:00 pm, the arena of what is widely regarded as the world’s most important bullring welcomes some of the most promising young bullfighters currently emerging on the scene.

For many of these aspiring matadors, appearing at Las Ventas represents a defining moment in their careers. The demanding Madrid audience is renowned throughout the bullfighting world, and every performance becomes an opportunity to make a lasting impression. For some, this is their first appearance at Las Ventas, adding an extra level of commitment, authenticity and fierce competition as they battle for a place in the grand final.

This year’s competition consists of four qualifying novilladas with picadors, followed by a grand final to determine the standout performer of Madrid’s summer season:

Thursday 25 June (9:00 pm): Young bulls from Los Chospes for Álvaro Chinchón, El Mene and Félix San Román, who will make his official debut at Las Ventas.

Thursday 2 July (9:00 pm): Bulls from López Gibaja for an ambitious trio comprising Cristian González, Juan Alberto Torrijos and Jairo López, who will also make his first appearance before the Madrid public.

Thursday 9 July (9:00 pm): A particularly exciting evening featuring the Las Ventas debuts of three promising newcomers. Young bulls from Toros de Brazuelas will be fought by Nacho Torrejón, Jorge Hurtado and Marco Polope.

Thursday 16 July (9:00 pm): The final qualifying event will feature bulls from Sagrario Moreno. The line-up includes Luis Pasero, López Peregrino (making his Las Ventas debut) and Mario Vilau.

Thursday 23 July (9:00 pm) – Grand Final: The three highest-rated novilleros from the qualifying rounds will compete for the prestigious title of summer champion, facing bulls from Guadaira.

This July, experience one of Madrid’s most original summer evenings by combining the thrill of live bullfighting with a gourmet dining experience. Gather your friends, enjoy outstanding food and live music, and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Las Ventas beneath the Madrid night sky.

Whether you are a lifelong aficionado or discovering bullfighting for the first time, Cénate Las Ventas offers an unforgettable combination of tradition, entertainment and gastronomy.

Trust us — it will be a night to remember.