The Complete Guide to Portuguese Bullfighting

Bullfighting is one of Portugal’s oldest traditions, a spectacle that has evolved over centuries and continues to spark fascination—and debate—today. Whether you’ve seen a poster for a summer festival in a coastal town, stumbled past an arena on a walk, or even attended a corrida yourself, the cultural role of bullfighting in Portugal is impossible to ignore.

But Portuguese bullfighting is not the same as Spanish bullfighting. From the way the bull is engaged, to the importance of the horse and rider, to the role of amateur groups called forcados, it has its own distinct style and history. In this guide, we’ll take a full look at Portuguese bullfighting—its origins, unique traditions, where you can see it, and the controversies surrounding it.

A Brief History of Portuguese Bullfighting

Bullfighting has been part of Portugal since at least the 16th century, with deep roots in aristocratic culture. The early version was a mounted sport of the nobility, with cavaleiros (horsemen) testing their horsemanship against the bull. Unlike in Spain, the Portuguese style developed with a heavy emphasis on the horse, reflecting the country’s traditions of equestrianism and cavalry training.

By the 18th century, bullfighting was widespread across Portugal. It was codified as a public spectacle in arenas, much like in Spain, but with significant differences that endure today. The Portuguese crown at one point even banned bullfighting after a death in the royal family, though the ban was eventually lifted.

Modern corridas continue to reflect that long history: an equestrian art form, a group spectacle, and a performance rooted in ritual.

How Portuguese Bullfighting Differs from Spanish

Many visitors to Portugal assume that bullfighting is the same as in Spain. In reality, the differences are striking.

• The bull is not killed in the arena. Unlike Spanish bullfights, where the matador’s kill is the climax, Portuguese bullfighting ends with the bull alive. After the spectacle, it is returned to the pens and usually taken to slaughter afterward. This distinction is central to the Portuguese defense of the practice.

• The cavaleiro is the star. A Portuguese corrida begins with the cavaleiro on horseback, using a long, decorated spear called a bandarilha to place small sticks on the bull’s back. The horsemanship is considered an art form, with Lusitano horses trained for years to master the movements.

• The forcados are unique to Portugal. These are groups of eight men who challenge the bull barehanded. Their role is to “face the bull” by charging it head-on, with one man grabbing the bull by the horns while his companions pile on to bring it to a stop. It is a test of courage, teamwork, and tradition.

• Amphitheater layout. Portuguese arenas are often smaller, rounder, and designed for closer viewing.

These differences mean that even if you’ve seen a corrida in Spain, the Portuguese experience feels like a distinct cultural performance.

The Role of the Cavaleiro

The cavaleiro (or cavaleira, when female) is the centerpiece of Portuguese bullfighting. Mounted on an agile Lusitano horse, the cavaleiro’s task is to demonstrate elegance and precision while engaging the bull.

Their movements are a dance: turning at the last second to avoid the bull’s charge, keeping the horse steady under pressure, and placing the bandarilhas with skill. Costumes are traditional, often inspired by 18th-century aristocratic dress, with tricorne hats and embroidered jackets.

While in Spain the matador is the ultimate hero, in Portugal it is the cavaleiro who embodies the artistry of the corrida.

The Lusitano Horse: Silent Partner of the Corrida

No animal is more closely tied to Portuguese bullfighting than the Lusitano horse. Bred in Portugal for centuries, the Lusitano is prized for its agility, courage, and intelligence. These horses are trained to anticipate the bull’s movements, pivot on a dime, and remain calm under extreme pressure.

What makes the Lusitano unique is its ability to blend athleticism with artistry. In the arena, it seems to dance as much as it fights—sliding sideways, wheeling at the last second, and carrying its rider within inches of the bull’s horns. Each maneuver requires years of careful training and a deep bond between horse and cavaleiro.

Outside the bullring, Lusitanos are respected worldwide for dressage and equestrian sports. But in Portugal, their role in bullfighting is considered the ultimate expression of their heritage. To many aficionados, the horse—not the rider—is the true star of the show.

Female Cavaleiras

One of the most fascinating aspects of Portuguese bullfighting today is the growing prominence of female cavaleiras. While women in Spanish bullfighting are rare, Portugal has embraced cavaleiras such as Ana Batista and Sónia Matias, who have risen to national fame.

They wear the same traditional outfits, ride the same horses, and face the same dangers. Audiences are passionate about them, often selling out arenas when well-known cavaleiras perform.

Their presence reflects the Portuguese view of bullfighting as an art form rooted in horsemanship rather than brute force. For many fans, the skill of the rider—male or female—is what matters most.

The Forcados: Facing the Bull Head-On

If the cavaleiro represents artistry, the forcados represent raw courage.

These are amateur groups, usually drawn from the same region, who train together and maintain a brotherhood-like identity. During the corrida, they enter the ring in green caps and traditional sashes. Their role is to subdue the bull without weapons or protection.

The front man (cabo) must grab the bull by the head as it charges, relying on his fellow forcados to quickly pile on and immobilize it. Injuries are common. Success earns cheers from the crowd, and the camaraderie of the forcados makes them some of the most celebrated figures in Portuguese bullfighting.

Portuguese Arenas: From Lisbon to Nazaré

There are around 70 active bullrings in Portugal, though not all are in regular use. Some of the most famous include:

• Campo Pequeno (Lisbon): The largest and most famous arena, a red-brick neo-Moorish landmark that also hosts concerts and events.

• Cascais: A coastal town with a popular summer season of corridas.

• Nazaré: The small seaside arena is often packed during festival season, drawing mostly Portuguese crowds. If you attend in Nazaré, expect tight seating and a very local atmosphere.

• Figueira da Foz: One of the biggest and most modern arenas on the Silver Coast, seating thousands. Unlike Nazaré’s small, tightly packed arena, Figueira da Foz offers more comfortable seating and also doubles as a venue for concerts and other cultural events.

Each arena has its own traditions, and attending in a smaller town can feel very different from a polished event in Lisbon.

Festivals and Seasonal Bullfighting

Bullfighting in Portugal is seasonal, with most corridas held in summer and early autumn. The biggest concentration is around local festas, where parades, fireworks, and religious events accompany the bullfights.

For example, Nazaré’s September festival is one of the highlights of the local calendar. The arena sells out, the streets fill with processions, and the corrida is the centerpiece of the celebration.

Even if you’re not a fan of bullfighting, you’ll likely encounter posters, music, and parades tied to these seasonal festivals when traveling through Portugal.

Is Bullfighting Legal in Portugal?

Yes, bullfighting is legal in Portugal, though it has faced increasing scrutiny. Portugal is one of only six countries worldwide where bullfighting is still practiced legally (alongside Spain, Mexico, France, Colombia, and Ecuador).

Within Portugal, it is regulated by law, with rules on animal treatment, event organization, and the use of arenas. While some municipalities have tried to ban it, national law protects bullfighting as part of cultural heritage.

Controversies and Opposition

Bullfighting in Portugal, as elsewhere, is highly controversial. Animal welfare advocates argue that even if the bull is not killed in the arena, it still suffers significant stress, blood loss, and eventual slaughter. For them, the distinction between Portuguese and Spanish corridas is cosmetic.

Supporters, on the other hand, emphasize tradition, cultural identity, and the unique equestrian artistry of the cavaleiro. They argue that the Lusitano breed and the role of the forcados are living cultural treasures.

The debate is ongoing, with declining attendance in some areas but still strong support in towns where bullfighting is a cornerstone of the annual festival.

The Experience of Attending a Portuguese Corrida

For those curious, attending a corrida can be both fascinating and challenging.

Expect a charged atmosphere, with live music, cheering crowds, and a ritualized pace. The costumes, horses, and pageantry are undeniably striking. At the same time, many visitors report discomfort at the treatment of the bulls, particularly if they are not used to animal spectacles.

Seating ranges from tight wooden benches in small-town arenas to modern stadium seating in larger venues. Tickets usually range from €15 to €50, depending on the arena and the billing of the cavaleiros.

If you decide to attend, it’s worth going with an understanding of the tradition—and the controversy—to fully appreciate the cultural context.

Nazaré vs. Figueira da Foz: Two Local Arenas Compared

If you’re visiting Portugal’s Silver Coast, you may see bullfighting posters in towns like Nazaré or Figueira da Foz. Here’s what to know:

• Nazaré: The small arena feels intimate, often filled to capacity during festivals. The audience is overwhelmingly Portuguese, with few tourists, making it a more “authentic” experience. But seats are tight, and the atmosphere can be intense.

• Figueira da Foz: A much larger, more spacious arena with better seating comfort. It often hosts larger events, including concerts, alongside bullfights.

Both give a window into Portuguese bullfighting, but the choice depends on whether you value tradition or comfort.

Bullfighting and Portuguese Identity

Whether you love it or hate it, bullfighting continues to be woven into Portuguese identity. It is present in art, literature, and music, and deeply tied to regional pride, especially in Ribatejo and Alentejo.

Even for many who never attend a corrida, the imagery of the cavaleiro on horseback or the bravery of the forcados carries symbolic weight. For others, it represents a practice out of step with modern values.

This tension—between heritage and modernity—is part of what makes bullfighting such a charged topic in Portugal today.

Should You Attend a Bullfight in Portugal?

That decision comes down to personal values and curiosity. For some travelers, it is an unforgettable cultural experience that deepens their understanding of Portuguese traditions. For others, it is too uncomfortable to watch.

If you’re unsure, you can still learn about bullfighting through museums, literature, or even visiting the arenas when they are hosting concerts instead of corridas. The Campo Pequeno arena in Lisbon, for example, has a museum dedicated to the history of bullfighting, which you can explore without attending a live event.

Final Thoughts

Portuguese bullfighting is unlike any other tradition in Europe. From the artistry of the cavaleiros to the courage of the forcados, it reflects a long history of equestrian culture and communal celebration. At the same time, it is deeply divisive, with passionate defenders and vocal critics.

Whether you attend a corrida or simply observe from a distance, understanding bullfighting helps you understand something essential about Portugal: a country where heritage, spectacle, and debate live side by side.

🇵🇹 Curious about life in Portugal beyond the bullring? We created a Free 10-Day Email Course to answer the most common questions about moving to Portugal—visas, healthcare, real estate, language, and more. Click here to join for free.