Rice Fair, Calasparra Bullring

History of the Calasparra Bullring

The Calasparra Bullring was inaugurated in 1896, and since then it has become the cultural and festive heart of the town. With its welcoming atmosphere and medium capacity, it is known for its firm commitment to novilladas and to the brave, unaltered bull — something that has earned it great prestige in the bullfighting world.

Its identity is clear: to support bravery and give opportunities to young prospects in the art of bullfighting. This spirit gave birth to the Rice Fair, a cycle which, since the 1990s, has established Calasparra as the national capital of novilladas with picadors.

The most important bullfighting cycles

The Rice Fair is, without doubt, the jewel of the Calasparra season. It takes place every year from 3rd to 8th September, coinciding with the patron saint festivities in honour of the Santos Mártires. The cycle usually includes six novilladas with picadors, plus a full bullfight on 30th July (Día de los Santos).

Another highlight is the Espiga de Plata (Silver Ear of Corn), a novillada without picadors for young bullfighters, which has recovered its place on the calendar. The winner takes home this much-loved trophy.

In addition, outside of the subscription package, a recortadores competition (bull-leaping event) is often held, which also enjoys great popularity among locals and visitors.

Event organisers

The organisation of the festival is run by Chipé Producciones, the company led by Pedro Pérez “Chicote”, in collaboration with the Calasparra Town Council and the Mesa de Trabajo Taurina (Taurine Working Group). Together they have consolidated the bullring as a national benchmark for seriousness, rigour and prestige in the world of novilladas.

Prestigious bloodlines and anecdotes

One of Calasparra’s great hallmarks is its careful selection of cattle. Top bloodlines such as Miura, Cuadri, José Escolar, Valdellán, Prieto de la Cal and El Puerto de San Lorenzo have all passed through its ring. In fact, some of these breeders reserve their only novillada of the year for this fair, making Calasparra an unmissable date for the most discerning aficionados.

As an anecdote, Calasparra has often witnessed unexpected triumphs: virtually unknown novilleros (apprentice bullfighters) carried out on shoulders who later went on to forge successful careers, thanks to the showcase that this fair represents. The intense rivalry between cattle breeders to win the Espiga de Oro (Golden Ear of Corn), the prestigious award for the best bullfight of the fair, is also fondly remembered.