Plaza de toros de Badajoz, Coso de Pardaleras
Plaza de Toros de Badajoz: History, Art and Soul of the Coso de Pardaleras
Each summer, the sound of the bugle once again awakens the passion for bullfighting in the heart of Extremadura. The Plaza de Toros de Badajoz, affectionately known as the Coso de Pardaleras, is far more than an arena – it is a symbol of the city’s identity, a place whose walls have witnessed some of the most glorious afternoons in the history of bullfighting in Extremadura.
The History of the Coso de Pardaleras
The current bullring of Badajoz was built in the Pardaleras district in 1967, replacing the old ring that once stood beside the city wall. Its design, modern for the time, combined functionality with aesthetics, ensuring excellent visibility from every seat.
Over the decades, the venue has become one of the most iconic bullfighting temples in Extremadura, attracting fans from across Spain and neighbouring Portugal.
The new bullring was inaugurated on 24 June 1967, coinciding with the feast of San Juan, the city’s patron saint. That day, before a herd from Martínez Elizondo, the great matadors Paco Camino, Paquirri and Pedro Benjumea took the stage.
Just four days later, Paco Camino achieved one of the most memorable feats in Badajoz’s bullfighting history, facing six bulls from Alberto Cunhal Patricio and triumphing as he was carried out through the patio de cuadrillas, since—curiously—this arena has no Puerta Grande (Main Gate of Triumph).
The Martínez Elizondo-Flamarique family led the project, while architect Eduardo Escudero designed a modern, comfortable, and safe structure, allowing for quick evacuation in case of emergency.
Over time, Pardaleras has become a true reference for Extremaduran bullfighting, hosting the greatest matadors and a knowledgeable, passionate audience that fills the stands every Feria de San Juan.
Architecture, Capacity and Curiosities of the Coso de Pardaleras
Located on Avenida de las Pardaleras s/n, 06003 Badajoz, this second-category bullring can hold 13,004 spectators.
Its structure includes sun and shade sections, barreras, and contrabarreras, spanning rows 1 to 31. Visibility is excellent from every angle, making it one of the most comfortable bullrings in Spain.
Among its most distinctive features:
- It has no Puerta Grande; victorious matadors are carried out through the patio de cuadrillas.
- It has a special stable for rejoneo horses, acknowledging the strong Portuguese influence and local love for mounted bullfighting.
- It was one of the first arenas in Spain to integrate structural safety measures for rapid and orderly evacuation.
Today, the bullring is owned by Antonio Baillères, a prominent Mexican businessman and a key figure in the international bullfighting world.
USEFUL INFORMATION Badajoz bullring, Coso de Pardaleras in numbers
Second Category
The New Bullring of Badajoz, Coso de Pardaleras
Aforo
Abonados
Espectáculos mayores
Espectáculos menores
The San Juan Bullfighting Fair: The Soul of Badajoz’s Summer
Every June, around the 24th, the Feria Taurina de San Juan transforms Badajoz into the heart of the celebration. The Coso de Pardaleras opens its gates for a series of events usually featuring a bullfight, a rejoneo (bullfighting on horseback), and a novillada with young rising stars.
The atmosphere is unparalleled. Spaniards and Portuguese alike cross the border to share their passion. The streets come alive with music and colour, bars overflow with joy, and the city breathes festivity.
Every paseíllo in this bullring is a celebration.
Badajoz’s Role in the Bullfighting Tradition of Extremadura
To speak of bullfighting in Extremadura is to speak of Badajoz. Its bullring has been a training ground and launchpad for many local matadors and a must-visit stop for the greatest national and international figures of the bullfighting world.
The Badajoz crowd is known for its respect, deep knowledge, and passion, transforming every afternoon of bullfighting into a true lesson in tradition and artistry.
The Plaza de Toros of Badajoz Today
Beyond bullfighting, the Plaza de Pardaleras has also become a cultural and social venue for the city, hosting concerts, public events, and institutional ceremonies, maintaining a strong bond with the people of Badajoz.
But every June, the arena returns to its essence. When the bugles sound, the paseíllo begins, and the audience rises to its feet, Badajoz once again becomes the bullfighting heart of Extremadura.
How to Get Your Tickets for the Bullfights in Badajoz
If you’re planning to experience the Feria de San Juan or any bullfighting event in Badajoz, make sure to buy your tickets only through official channels.
The safest and authorised point of sale for tickets to the Plaza de Toros de Badajoz is Servitoro.
Through Servitoro, you can choose your seat with full security, receive your digital tickets in PDF format, and enjoy personalised assistance for any questions or special requests.
Avoid intermediaries and buy with confidence — Servitoro is the official and most reliable ticket provider for bullfighting in Spain.
