Cehegín Bullring – Tradition and Bullfighting in the Heart of Northwest Murcia

A Brief History of Cehegín Bullring

The current bullring of Cehegín was inaugurated in 1901, although records show that bullfighting events had already taken place in the town during the 19th century. Designed in a traditional style, with solid stone terraces and a sober structure, it was built thanks to the efforts and contributions of local residents and enthusiasts.

Over the years, the bullring has undergone several refurbishments and improvements, always retaining its intimate, welcoming character. For decades, it became a meeting point for leading matadors as well as young novilleros (novice bullfighters) eager to make a name for themselves before an experienced and demanding crowd.

Bullfighting Calendar and Main Fair

The highlight of the year in Cehegín is the September Fair, held as part of the town’s patron saint festivities in honour of the Virgin of the Wonders (Virgen de las Maravillas). During these days, the bullring becomes the centre of the celebrations, hosting corridas de toros (bullfights with full matadors), novilladas (fights with young bulls), and popular shows such as recortadores (bull-leaping exhibitions) and children’s “mini-encierros” with smaller animals.

In recent years, charity bullfighting festivals have also been staged, attracting large audiences and raising funds for local causes.

The fair generally takes place in the first week of September, when Cehegín dresses up for the occasion, blending religious devotion, bullfighting, music, and gastronomy in a uniquely festive atmosphere.

Organisation

The management of bullfighting events in Cehegín has changed hands many times over the decades. Today, the bullring is run in collaboration between the Cehegín Town Council and local bullfighting entrepreneurs from the Murcia region, who focus on delivering high-quality programmes and giving prominence to Murcian matadors.

Famous Matadors and Anecdotes

Over the years, the Cehegín arena has welcomed some of the great names in Spanish bullfighting, such as Espartaco, El Cordobés, Enrique Ponce and Pepín Liria. The latter, being a Murcian icon, enjoys a particularly special place in the hearts of the locals. The bullring has also given opportunities to young talents from the area, including David Fernández and Antonio Puerta, who took their first big steps here.

Among the most often recalled anecdotes are the afternoons of packed stands when unknown novilleros surprised the crowd with stunning performances, eventually leaving the ring carried on shoulders through the main gate. Cehegín has always been both a showcase for future talents and a witness to unforgettable performances by the masters.

Traditions of the September Fair

The fair of Cehegín is about much more than bullfighting. The streets come alive with lively brass bands and peñas (local social clubs), colourful parades, open-air dances, and tastings of regional delicacies. Visitors can enjoy wines from the northwest of Murcia and traditional local pastries. Popular encierros (running of the bulls) with smaller cattle and other festive events complete a programme where bullfighting is enjoyed in a family setting.