Bullfighting, a tradition deeply ingrained in the culture of both Portugal and Spain, often leads to misconceptions and confusion. While both countries share some similarities in their bullfighting traditions, there are significant differences that set them apart. If you are interested in the Portugueses Tourada, we try to shed light on the distinct characteristics of Portuguese bullfighting and clarify any misconceptions. Touradas in Portugal today are mostly found the Alentejo, Ribatejo and on Terceira in the Azores.
First off, it's vital to understand that Portuguese bullfighting, known as "touradas" or "corrida de touros," differs substantially from the Spanish version. Unlike the Spanish bullfight, where the objective is to kill the bull, Portuguese bullfighting is a spectacle focused on skill and horsemanship and courage rather than death.
In a Portuguese bullfight, the bull is not killed in the arena. Instead, the event involves a series of traditions and displays of bravery by both horsemen and forcados. The bullfighter, known as the "cavaleiro" or "cavaleira," is mounted on horseback. The cavaleiro's primary goal is to demonstrate agility and grace while avoiding significant injury to the bull. There is no picador, and the bull has 6-8 darts placed in its back muscle. Certainly, this can be seen as cruel - but it stems from centuries old traditions.
Another key distinction is the presence of "forcados," a group of amateurs who perform a daring feat known as the "pega." Unlike the Spanish matador, who faces the bull alone, the forcados confront the bull as a team. Their objective is to grab hold of the bull's head and subdue it through sheer strength and coordination, without the use of weapons.
Strict regulations govern the treatment of the animals before, during, and after the event to ensure their well-being. Bulls used in Portuguese bullfights are specially bred for their strength and agility, and efforts are made to minimize stress and discomfort. The bull always walks out of the arena.
This is not everyone cup of team, but it helps to recognize these differences and appreciate Portuguese bullfighting as a cultural tradition with its own unique characteristics and values. While opinions on bullfighting may vary, understanding the cultural context and significance of these events can lead to a more nuanced and respectful appreciation of this centuries-old tradition.
Today, Portuguese bullfighting cannot be confused with its Spanish counterpart. By recognizing the distinctions between the two traditions, spectators can gain a deeper understanding of Southern Portuguese culture and heritage while respecting the values and practices that define this ancient spectacle.
What to do:
Ernest Hemingway famously wrote, "Bullfighting is the only art in which the artist is in danger of death and in which the degree of brilliance in the performance is left to the fighter's honor."
If you travel to Portugal hoping to experience its rich traditions, you may stumble upon one of the country’s most distinctive — and often misunderstood — cultural spectacles: the tourada, or Portuguese bullfight. But unlike the more famous Spanish version, Portugal’s bullfighting tradition carries unique customs, rules, and even a different spirit. And, the bull is not killed. Here's how to appreciate it — thoughtfully and respectfully — if you decide to go.
First, Know This: Portuguese Bullfighting Is Not a Blood Sport
The most important difference to understand: the bull is not killed in the arenaduring a Portuguese bullfight. While the event is controversial (and opinions vary greatly inside Portugal), many locals in the Alentejo, Ribatejo and on Terceira Island emphasize that their tradition is less about domination and death, and more about art, courage, and tradition.
In fact, in Portugal, it is illegal to kill the bull in public (with one exception). After the fight, the animal is often treated and retired to the fields.
Where and When to See It:
Portuguese bullfighting, also known as "corrida de touros" or "tourada" is a traditional cultural event in Portugal that dates back centuries. Unlike Spanish bullfighting, which involves killing the bull, Portuguese bullfighting is considered a more refined sport. Portuguese bullfighting also has a long and growingly controversial history, and its future remains uncertain. Its origins can be traced back to ancient times, with the Portuguese nobility embracing the tradition by the 18th century.
The tourada itself takes place in a large, circular arena called a "praça de touros." The bullfighter, or "cavaleiro," rides a well trained horse and showcases the horse's agility and skill.
Bullfighting is most common in Ribatejo, Alentejo, and the Azores, especially in rural towns where the culture remains strong. The most famous venue is Lisbon’s historic Campo Pequeno bullring, which hosts summer fights and festivals. In the Azores, particularly on Terceira Island, you’ll also see the beloved "tourada à corda," a different form of bullfight where bulls run through the streets on a long rope while young men show their bravado.
The bullfighting season generally runs from spring through fall, with major festivals often tied to religious celebrations or regional holidays.
Portugal’s 1st category bullrings include the Praça de Toiros da Moita do Ribatejo, Praça de Toiros de Almeirim, Praça de Toiros de Beja, Praça de Toiros de Coruche, Praça de Toiros do Montijo, Praça de Touros Carlos Relvas, Praça de Touros Palha Blanco, and Praça de Touros do Campo Pequeno.
The country’s 2nd category bullrings feature the Praça de Touros de Abiul, Praça de Touros de Aldeia da Ponte, Praça de Touros das Caldas da Rainha, Coliseu Figueirense, Praça de Toiros da Nazaré, Praça de Toiros de Alcácer do Sal, Praça de Toiros de Alcochete, Praça de Toiros de Estremoz, Praça de Toiros de Évora, Praça de Toiros de Montemor, Praça de Toiros de Portalegre, Praça de Toiros de Reguengos de Monsaraz, Praça de Toiros de Salvaterra de Magos, Praça de Toiros de Tomar, and Praça de Toiros do Cartaxo.
Portuguese bullfighting traces its origins back from Roman contests to the Middle Ages, with from noble warriors practiced their horsemanship and courage against wild bulls. Over time, these displays became formalized public spectacles. One pivotal moment in the history of Portuguese bullfighting is tied to the Count of Arcos in the 18th century. According to legend, during a bullfight at Salvaterra de Magos — a royal favorite for court festivities — the Count was thrown from his horse and killed. In response, King D. José issued a royal decree banning the killing of bulls in the arena. This royal intervention helped shape the uniquely Portuguese style of bullfighting we see today, where the focus shifted from death to daring skill, artistry, and respect for the animal.
What Happens During a Portuguese Bullfight?
Portuguese bullfights unfold with a ceremony to being, and then in three distinct acts:
The Cavaleiro/a A rider on horseback, called the cavaleiro, enters the ring riding a beautifully trained Portuguese horse. Their task is to demonstrate grace and control by planting small darts (called ferros) into the bull’s shoulder muscle, designed to anger and engage the bull — but not to wound it. Watching the seamless dance between horse and bull is considered the art form’s purest moment. It follow's the rules set centuries ago by the Marquis de Marialva - father of the Count of Arcos. The rider dresses in the silk jacket and tan riding pants common at time of the death of the Count of Arcos, to honor his memory. If the display is a good one, then the order is given to play music, a reward for a good performance.
The Forcados Next comes a uniquely Portuguese tradition: the forcados, a team of eight brave men who challenge the bull head-on. Without weapons, they stand in a line and the frontman (the "pega") calls the bull into charging, attempting to wrap his arms around its head. His teammates then pile on to subdue the bull through sheer strength and teamwork. It’s not just about brute force — it's about bravery. The rabejador then holds the tail, so the others can walk off. The bull is then herded out of the arena, alive, by a team of tame cows led by campinos.
The Final Act After the forcados' demonstration, the cavaleiro may return for a final pass with the band playing.
How to Watch Respectfully
Stay Open-Minded: Yes, bullfighting, even in Portugal, raises real ethical questions. You don't have to endorse it to observe and learn from it as a cultural tradition.
Dress Respectfully: At major bullrings like Campo Pequeno, audiences often dress smartly for the event, blending tourism with an air of solemnity.
Observe the Crowd: The audience’s reactions — the claps for a well-executed move, in silence when a forcado calls the bull — are part of the experience. It’s a window into Portuguese pride, history, and shifting values.
Know Your Limits: If you think the spectacle might be too emotional, or if you firmly oppose animal performance, you may want to explore Portugal's many other cultural expressions instead — such as fado music, village festivals, or equestrian shows, which also celebrate Lusitano horses.
Portuguese bullfighting is not for everyone, and it's okay to approach it with a mixture of fascination and caution. But if you want to understand Portugal beyond its beaches and pastries, witnessing a tourada (even once) offers a glimpse into a deep, layered national identity — one that is still evolving today.
Whether you choose to sit in the stands or simply learn about it from afar, appreciating the nuances and contrasts of Portuguese culture is part of what makes traveling here so unforgettable.
The Azores: running of the Bulls--- every day
In some places they run the bulls once a year. Every summer there are more than 230 traditional bullfights on the island of Terceira in the Azores. From April to the late fall, the people of Terceira hold touradas á corda every weekend a unique running of the bulls, with the bull on a rope. It is found only in the Azores, and has been popular since 16th Century. The bull is let loose with a very long rope around its neck, usually at the main square in a small village. The bull is guided by several experienced, hefty men, keeping a tight grip at the rope. The idea is, that the courageous people will try to get as close to the bull as they dare. After the run, the bull is taken back to the wooden crate and an outdoor festival begins.
Why the bull is not killed
A Fado tells us that the trinity of Portuguese things is Fado, Saudade, and the bullfight. To the non-Portuguese ear this may seem an odd statement — but as insiders, we will share with you the tale of the Last Royal Bullfight, subject of more than one Fado, and the story that closed the circle.
In the summer of 1762, King D. José often spent time at his palace in Salvaterra de Magos, in the heart of horse and bull country. One day, a royal contest was arranged: the young Count of Arcos would enter the arena for the first time before the royal court. Arcos was the son of the famed Marquis of Marialva, the man who had codified Portuguese bullfighting. The Marquis had taken what was once a rough and chaotic sport and turned it into a refined and demanding contest between a rider on horseback and an Iberian fighting bull.
The young Arcos faced a formidable challenge. His father had taught that the goal was not brute force, but art: the horse was to call the bull. The two would charge at one another, and at the last moment, the rider would pull the horse aside, then pivot sharply to run parallel to the bull’s horns, placing a small, sharp dart between the animal’s shoulders. It was a test of balance, precision, and courage.
But the massive black bull Arcos faced refused to charge. In desperation, the young noble rode too close. Suddenly, the bull lunged, toppling horse and rider. Before the horrified eyes of the king and his court, the bull gored the young count. Then, in an instant, the elder Marquis of Marialva leapt into the arena, and—astonishing the crowd—fought the bull on foot, driving it back with dazzling, macabre brilliance.
For a generation, the bullfight was banned in Portugal.
A complex view
From North to South are different perspectives on the current state of bullfighting. Some point out that the popularity of bullfighting has been declining in Portugal for years, while others contend that it remains an important ancient cultural tradition in certain regions of the country.
Indeed, there has been a decline in the number of bullfights held in Portugal in recent years. According to the Portuguese Association of Bullfighting Professionals, there were 232 bullfights held in 2019, compared to 320 in 2010. This decrease can be attributed to a combination of factors, including changing cultural attitudes, animal welfare concerns, and declining interest from younger generations. Numerous bullrings have closed in small towns and northern cities. And, many towns have banned the Festa Brava.
But cross the Tejo River, and there are still many people who are passionate about Portuguese bullfighting. In some regions of Portugal, such as the Azores, ribatejo and Alentejo, bullfighting remains a popular and deeply ingrained tradition. Every town has a ring, and the tourada is part of summer festivals. The main cities where bullfighting takes place in Portugal are Lisbon, Santarém, and Évora.
Once tourists flocked to rings, interested in experiencing this cultural tradition, but today that is not the case. Lisbon's Campo Pequeno, once the top ring in Portugal, now hosts concerts and trade shows - with fewer bullfights each year.
Portuguese bullfighting remains a controversial practice, with many animal rights activists arguing that it should be banned. However, supporters of the tradition argue that it is an important part of Portuguese culture and history.