Alicante’s Plaza, Bullfights, Concerts, and Even Tennis

Regardless of ideological or moral considerations, Alicante’s Plaza is an almost inevitable visit for anyone coming to this city. This is primarily due to its attractive architecture from the late 19th century, which essentially resembles many other buildings of this type.

Secondly, in addition to bullfights, this is the usual place for hosting all kinds of events. From modern music concerts (featuring some of the most renowned national artists) to political meetings. Even here, the Davis Cup tennis semifinal took place in 2004, where teams from Spain and France met. Additionally, during the Christmas season, an enormous roller coaster and an ice rink are installed in December at Alicante’s Plaza, ideal for the youngest and their families.

According to the regulations that assess this type of facility, Alicante’s Plaza is considered a second-category plaza. It is one of the oldest in the Valencia region and also in the rest of Spain, having been inaugurated in 1888.

bullring alicante

The Popularity of Bullfighting in Alicante

Alicante’s Plaza is the result of a long-standing passion for bullfighting. In fact, the first documented bullfight in this city was held in 1700 to celebrate the conversion of the Collegiate Church of San Nicolás into a co-cathedral.

A temporary structure was erected, as has historically been the case in many other cities in the country. Soon, bullfights became popular in Alicante, and various venues were used for hosting them, such as Plaza Puerta del Mar by Alicante’s port or Puerta de San Francisco.

This temporary arrangement lasted until 1848, when a permanent venue was inaugurated, the precursor to the current Plaza in Alicante, designed by the local architect Antonio Jover.

However, this building became too small due to the immense popularity of bullfighting. Therefore, the project for renovation and expansion was entrusted to another Alicante architect, José Guardiola Picó.

As mentioned, the construction was completed in 1888, which meant that Alicante’s Plaza could accommodate over 16,000 seated spectators. This is quite significant, as the city’s population at that time was around 20,000 people.

At the first celebration in the new Plaza, matadors Lagartijo, Guerrita, and Lagartija participated. This was only the beginning of a long bullfighting history that, with some exceptions due to military conflicts in Spain in the 20th century, has continued to this day.

Plaza de España in Alicante

Alicante’s Plaza is located in the heart of Plaza de España, one of the most significant open spaces in the city center. Specifically, it is situated between San Vicente Street, which comes from the port, and Alcoy Avenue, one of the main thoroughfares in and out of this city.

In addition to Alicante’s Plaza, there are other interesting places at Plaza de España:

  • Quijano Pantheon: This monumental ensemble honors Trinitario González de Quijano, who was the city’s civil governor during the cholera epidemic that struck Alicante in 1854 and is regarded as a hero. The monument was designed by architect Francisco Morell y Gómez.
  • Monument to the Foguerers: This is an obelisk that honors foguerers (responsible for the San Juan bonfires) who have fallen in service. It has stood here since 1982, and in connection with Alicante’s major festival each year, a flower offering is held in front of it.
  • Fountains at Plaza de España: Popularly known as “los chorros,” as they shoot directly from the ground through some grills in front of Alicante’s Plaza. An ideal place to cool off when the heat becomes oppressive.

Festivities and Bullfights in Alicante

As is the case with other such facilities in Spain, the holding of bullfights at Alicante’s Plaza is not permanent. With exceptions, there are two main seasons when these types of festivities take place:

  • Bullfights at the Hogueras Festival: This coincides with the city’s major celebration, the San Juan Festival. They are held around eight or nine bullfights at the end of June, involving several of the bullfighters’ top figures.
  • Bullfights at the Virgen del Remedio Festival: This takes place in early August, in connection with the patron saint of Alicante. Typically, two bullfights are held on the following days.

Alicante Bullfighting Museum

Within Alicante’s Plaza lies the Alicante Bullfighting Museum. In its various halls, a complete overview of the bullfighting world is offered, with a particular focus on bullfighters of Alicante origin. This includes figures such as Vicente Blau, José María Manzanares, Francisco Antón, and Luis Francisco Esplá.

One of the most interesting sections is dedicated to the influence of bullfighting on literature, featuring representative texts written by Federico García Lorca, Rafael Alberti, Gerardo Diego, Rubén Darío, the brothers Antonio and Manuel Machado, Azorín, and the brilliant Alicante-born (from Orihuela) poet Miguel Hernández.