The Ronda Fair: A week of culture, tradition and excitement you won’t want to miss
Even if you haven’t travelled to Spain before you have probably heard of the colourful events called ferias that happen on the streets of Spanish cities, towns and even villages! The Ronda Fair (la feria de Ronda) is no exception – a week of events and culture starting on the first week of September that all the locals are looking forward to.
The Pedro Romero’s Ronda Fair
One of the most important and prolific fairs for Andalusian bullfighting is the one dedicated to Pedro Romero, a legendary bullfighter from the Romero family in Ronda. A special attraction and a unique show that you can’t miss is the Corrida Goyesca. It’s a bullfight in which all the bullfighters are dressed in goyesque costumes, a style of dressing that emerged in Madrid in the 18th century, reflected through the paintings of the artist Francisco de Goya. It was used until the 19th century by its bourgeoisie, later extending its use to the rest of Spain. Corrida Goyesca was first celebrated in 1954, as the 200th year anniversary of the birth of Pedro Romero.
Ronda Fair’s Corrida Goyesca takes place in the bullring in Ronda, Spain, usually around August/September time. Entry costs around €90 as this is an annual event that occurs only during the feria season. You can grab your tickets from Servitoro, and also have a look at the other bullfighting shows and events that will take place at the Royal Calvary of Ronda, Spain. You can still find tickets last minute, however be quick if you want to get a seat in the shaded part of the bullring.
If you aren’t able to visit Ronda, Spain during Ronda Fair’s season, don’t worry, as a visit to the bullring at any time of the year is a great way to learn more about Pedro Romero and the art of bullfighting. In its museum are posters of ancient bulls, traditional costumes, utensils for fighting and painting and many other things. And if you simply prefer to enjoy a good view of the Plaza de Toros with a drink in hand, you can do that on the terrace of Hotel Catalonia!
What to expect during the Ronda Fair?
It is not a feria without local cuisine, music and a festive atmosphere. Alongside the delicious food that Ronda offers all year long, during the Ronda Fair there is seafood, fried fish known as “pescaito”, Iberian ham, meat and rice. Without a doubt, this is the best excuse to pass by the “casetas” and enjoy the unique atmosphere they bring.
While your eyes are busy choosing the next tapas to have, your body will be moving to the rhythm of the music. During the feria in the “casetas”, which are like little establishments, where people get together, live music is usually played. It is impossible not to dance to some “sevillanas” or to clap your hands to the beat!
And of course, there are options for family fun so don’t be surprised if you see kids full of excitement, wanting to ride the various attractions such as bumper cars, the Viking ship, the mechanic bull or the hammocks, which are put together especially for the feria. As soon as the sun goes down, all the attractions light up so that the kids can enjoy the feria as much as the grownups! On Ronda Fair’s last day, the prices are the lowest to give a good farewell to such a special week.
If you like how all of this sounds and you fancy visiting the feria, you need to know that it takes place at the northern end of town, on the outskirts of Ronda. However, don’t think this will be a problem: to get there, you can use the trenecito or “little train”; a transportation service that will run every 20 min at the cost of €1, which goes directly from Ronda city centre to the Fairground. Also, there are buses available and of course a taxi service should you wish to use it (+34 952 87 40 80).
During the feria season you will never be short of unique things to do in Ronda, Spain. Visiting Ronda during this season also helps to promote Slow Travel and sustainable tourism in Spain, by keeping traditions alive!
- Written by @Team SlowRonda