Plaza de Toros of Murcia, La Condomina: history, tradition and bullfighting in the Murcian capital

The bullfighting soul of La Condomina

Murcia cannot be understood without its bullring. Located right in the centre of the capital, La Condomina was inaugurated in 1887 with a historic corrida featuring the matadors Lagartijo and Mazzantini. Since then, this arena has witnessed countless memorable afternoons and the evolution of bullfighting in the region.

Built in a Neo-Mudejar style with a broad and elegant structure, it came to life thanks to a group of enthusiasts and patrons who wanted to provide the city with a bullring worthy of a provincial capital. Over the years it has undergone refurbishments and modernisations, but it has always preserved its classic and distinguished character.

Fairs and bullfighting cycles

The highlight of the season at La Condomina is the Feria de Septiembre, held during the patronal festivities in honour of the Virgen de la Fuensanta, patron saint of Murcia. Between 11 and 18 September, the arena hosts bullfights, novilladas (young bullfighter contests), and popular festivities that flood the city with atmosphere.

Another traditional feature are the charity bullfighting festivals, deeply rooted in the city, along with smaller events and exhibitions throughout the year that keep the passion for bullfighting alive.

The organising company

The bullfighting management of La Condomina is in the hands of Toros Sureste S.A., led by Ángel Bernal. For decades, this company has been in charge of programming top-level line-ups. Thanks to their work, the Feria de Septiembre has gained prestige and is now an unmissable event in the national bullfighting calendar.

Renowned matadors and anecdotes

Practically every great name in bullfighting has passed through the Murcian arena. From Joselito “El Gallo” and Belmonte in the early 20th century, to Manolete, El Cordobés, Paco Camino, Enrique Ponce or José Tomás in more recent decades.

The ring has a special affection for Pepín Liria, the Murcian-born matador who became a local idol and national reference. His farewell from the ring at La Condomina was a massive event that drew an emotional crowd.

Among the anecdotes, it is often recalled how, during the post-war years, the feria managed to survive thanks to the determination of Murcia’s aficionados. Equally famous are the afternoons of “no tickets available” when the plaza dresses in its finest to welcome the greatest figures of the art.

Traditions of the Feria de Septiembre

The Feria de Murcia is about much more than bullfighting. The city comes alive with processions, concerts, barracas (food and festive stands set up by local peñas), traditional Murcian gastronomy and a unique atmosphere surrounding the patron saint. The Feria de Septiembre blends devotion, popular celebration, and bullfighting, giving the festivities an unmistakably Murcian flavour.