Bullfighting in Figueira da Foz

Every Sunday in August local bull fighters compete for the title of town champion against each other and the wit of the bulls.

Bullfights are held in the Coliseum and start late-afternoon at 5.15pm. You’ll need to buy your tickets in advance; if you’re planning to go, just let us know and we’ll show you where to buy your tickets from.

Portuguese bullfighting is very specific and differs from Spanish bull fights. In Portuguese-style you have pantalones- a lone fighter on horseback, wearing traditional eighteenth Century dress, whose aim is to stab three or four small javelins in the back of the bull. You will also see Forcados a group of eight men who challenge the bull without any weapons for attack or defence.

Finally you also have matadors, who are similar to Spanish matadors but in Portugal matadors do not kill the bull at the end of the match. Some people might prefer to watch a Portuguese bull fight as opposed to a Spanish one because you can experience the cultural tradition of the event without watching a bull being slain at the end.