Palma de Mallorca. El Coliseo Balear Bullring

Palma de Mallorca Bullring – El Coliseo Balear

The Palma de Mallorca bullring, popularly known as the "Coliseo Balear" (or "Colisseu Balear" in Mallorquín), is part of the city’s historical heritage.

The idea of constructing a new bullring to replace the old one in the Balearic capital emerged in 1915, but construction didn't begin until 1928. The task of designing the arena was entrusted to Gaspar Bennazar, a renowned Mallorcan architect of the time. The first bullfight took place on 21st July 1929, marking the official inauguration of the venue. In 1956, management of the bullring passed into the hands of "Exclusivas Balañá S.A."

The 1960s and 1970s were the bullring's golden years. Famous bullfighters such as Luis Miguel Dominguín, Santiago Martín "El Viti," Manuel Díaz "El Cordobés," Paquirri, and Jesulín de Ubrique, among others, have graced its arena.

Historically, Palma de Mallorca has been one of Spain’s most important bullrings, with a long-standing and deeply rooted bullfighting tradition throughout the island of Mallorca. Until 1929, when the current "Coliseo Balear" was inaugurated, bullfighting events were held at the previous bullring located in the Old Town, on Bishop Berenguer de Palou Street.

The current bullring, designed by Mallorcan architect Gaspar Bennàzar and spearheaded by businessman José Tous Ferrer, is considered one of the most beautiful in Spain. With a capacity for over 14,000 spectators, during its heyday it hosted numerous bullfighting events featuring the most important line-ups of the time. In the 1960s, it even became the most important bullring in the world, surpassing Madrid in terms of the number of events held.

Palma de Mallorca Bullring Information

• Capacity: 10,000 seats

• Category: 2nd Class

• Location: Avenida Arquitecte Gaspar Bennasar, 32 – 07004 Baleares

• Management: The bullring is managed by Funtausa S.A

The Zapatista Bullfight at the Coliseo Balear

Who is Domingo Zapata?

Domingo Zapata, a world-renowned Spanish artist, is celebrated for his vibrant style that blends pop culture elements with traditional references. Born in Palma de Mallorca, Zapata has achieved international acclaim, collaborating with high-profile figures and exhibiting in major art capitals such as New York and Paris. His work often explores themes of identity and culture, and on this occasion, he has been chosen to design the "trajes de luces" (bullfighters’ costumes) for a special bullfight, commemorating the 95th anniversary of the Palma Bullring.

What is the Zapatista Bullfight at Palma de Mallorca Bullring?

The bullfight that bears his name at the "Coliseo Balear" is not only a tribute to his career as a Mallorcan artist but also symbolises the fusion of two deeply ingrained forms of Spanish art: bullfighting and painting. For Zapata, designing the "trajes de luces" is an acknowledgement of the importance of bullfighting as a visual art, where each matador embodies an aesthetic expression in motion.

The bullfight in Palma de Mallorca is significant for several reasons. In 2024, the celebration commemorates the 95th anniversary of the bullring and marks a key moment in the ongoing efforts to preserve the bullfighting tradition in the Balearic Islands, where strong opposition has arisen in recent years. Thus, this event represents both an act of cultural preservation and a renewal of tradition, with the collaboration of a contemporary art figure.

The encounter between Zapata’s art and bullfighting in Palma is a testament to how artistic expressions can evolve without losing their essence, making this bullfight a milestone in the Spanish bullfighting season.

Ticket Reservations for Palma de Mallorca Bullfights

Ticket Reservations for Palma de Mallorca: Book your tickets in advance and be the first to purchase. Servitoro, as the Official Sales Service, offers you the opportunity to purchase your tickets easily and securely from your home, avoiding long queues and waits at the ticket office.

For further information, please contact us via email at [email protected] or call us on 963308593 (Monday-Friday 9:00-18:00).

Servitoro is an official sales point authorised by Palma de Mallorca Bullring. A handling fee of €12 per ticket is applied.