If you spend any time in the Alentejo, Azores or Ribatejo in Portugal you have seen the posters. You may hear about the Tourada à Antiga Portuguesa, or “bullfight in the traditional Portuguese style.” Not interested? Stop reading here. While this traditional spectacle shares some surface similarities with Spanish bullfighting, its origins, methods, and cultural meaning are distinctly Portuguese. For newcomers, understanding this tradition means going beyond the stereotypes to see its historical roots, regional variations, and the debate surrounding it today.
History and Cultural Roots
The Tourada à Antiga Portuguesa dates back centuries, evolving from Roman arenas to mounted displays of horsemanship by the Portuguese nobility. Originally, it was part of festival celebrations, military training exercises, and agricultural fairs. Unlike the Spanish style, the Portuguese tradition emphasizes the skill of the rider (cavaleiro) and the elegance of the horse—often a Lusitano - an agile, muscular breed native to Portugal.
For newcomers new to Portugal, understanding the sequence of events and the cultural meaning behind them can make attending one a richer experience. Importantly, under Portuguese law, the bull is not killed in the arena in Portugal (with one exception).
The Opening – Cortesias
The event begins with the cortesias, a ceremonial parade where all participants enter the arena to greet the Director de Corrida and present themselves to the audience. The music of the arena band sets the tone as the procession unfolds:
First come the moços de forcado (the forcados ),
Then arena staff and campinos (campinos).
Finally, the cavaleiros (riders) make their entrance on horseback, taking their place and saluting the crowd.
The Horseback Performance – Lide a Cavalo
When the trumpet sounds, the Iberian fighting bull is released into the ring. A peão de brega (assistant) works the bull briefly with a cape so the cavaleiro can assess its movements. The first phase involves placing long ferros (barbed sticks) in the bull’s back muscle to gauge its behavior.
Then comes the heart of the performance: the curtos, shorter sticks placed one by one—or in pairs—in a series of daring passes, each demanding precision and bravery. This is where the cavaleiro’s artistry shows, aided by two peões de brega who help position the bull. If the work is exceptional, the Director de Corrida signals the band to play via a handkerchief, awarding the moment with music.
The pasodoble (or meaning "double step") is a lively, fast-paced musical march, inspired by the drama and movement of the tourada.
The Forcados’ Moment – Pega
After the cavaleiro, it’s the forcados’ turn. This team of eight men stands in formation to face the bull. The forcado da cara (pega) calls the bull, meeting its charge head-on. He seizes the bull by the head or horns, while his teammates pile on to stop and hold the animal until it is immobilized—a feat of courage and teamwork. The most common form is the pega de caras, sometime by the pega de cernelha.
The Conclusion – Recolha and Honors
Once the pega is complete, the campinos enter with tame oxen (cabrestos) to guide the bull out of the arena. The Director de Corrida may award honors:
A white handkerchief for the cavaleiro to come back for applause,
A second one for the forcado,
Or, in rare cases, a third one for the bull’s exceptional performance, granting the breeder (ganadeiro) a lap of honor.
Where and When to See It
The Tourada à Antiga Portuguesa is most common during summer festival season, particularly in Ribatejo towns like Vila Franca de Xira, Santarém, and Azambuja, as well as parts of the Alentejo. Temporary arenas often pop up during these festivities, alongside parades, food stalls, and music.
A Modern Debate
Bullfighting in Portugal remains a divisive subject. Supporters see it as a vital cultural heritage, showcasing horsemanship, bravery, and community identity. They say that without the toured, the Iberian bull would have gone extinct long ago.
Critics, including many Portuguese, view it as an outdated form of animal cruelty. In recent years, attendance has declined in some regions, while others maintain strong local followings. The debate is especially active among younger generations, urban residents, and even some expats.
How to Approach It
If you choose to attend, go with an open mind. Some newcomers find cultural insight in observing, while others prefer to explore Portugal’s equestrian traditions through feiras (fairs), horse training exhibitions, and non-combat events.
Knowing the history and context allows you to engage in informed, respectful conversations—whether you are sharing curiosity, admiration for the horsemanship, or concerns about animal welfare.
Jayme H. Simões is a Portugal–U.S. communications consultant who writes about the realities of moving, living, and retiring in Portugal, based on first hand experience.
Let’s Move to Portugal Now is an independent resource for Americans considering life in Portugal. We provide practical, experience-based information on visas, housing, health care, cost of living, and everyday life—focused on clarity, realism, and informed choices. This site is not affiliated with the Portuguese government and does not offer legal or immigration advice.
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