Feria de San Isidro

The Monumental de Las Ventas was the dream of Joselito "El Gallo", who wanted the Taurine Festival to be available to all social classes. This project was transmitted to José Espeliú, architect and great friend of the bullfighter, to then convince a group of wealthy fans to be businessmen, asking the County Council to build the plaza at their expense. However, neither Joselito, nor Espeliú, nor Fernando Jardón, the main promoter, could see the end of the event, since they died earlier. In the autumn of 1946, and with the Monumental de Las Ventas made reality -where only festivities were scheduled on Thursdays and Sundays-, another great dream would be born. Livinio Stuyck, manager of the New Bullring in Madrid, lawyer by profession and then not very fond, began to haunt in his mind the idea of ​​creating a fair in Madrid for the festivities, as well as those that already existed in other cities of Spain. Thus was born, in May of 1947, the first cycle isidril, which had five festivities, and where regular spectators had the possibility to get all tickets for the shows of the Fair. 

There were no successful bullfighters –he did not cut off a sad ear-, except for the Company, which was filled every day, hanging the “No tickets” sign with Miura's fat bullfight. Ticket prices ranged from 125 pesetas for a shade barrier to 10 pesetas for a blast of sun. Joselito “El Gallo” would have been satisfied to finally see his dream of having a Monumental square in Madrid come true with affordable prices for all social classes. In the second year, 1948, Livinio Stuyck continued with his intention of bringing together the greatest number of figures in the shortest space of time and the fair hit a stretch. There were already eight bullfights held, and the good afternoon surpassed those of the first edition. In 1950, the Venta del Batán was inaugurated and the prize for the bravest bull in San Isidro was created. In 1952, the Fair already had eleven celebrations; and in 1956, fifteen. Add and go. From the XNUMXs on, bullfighting figures only performed in Madrid either at the San Isidro Fair or in the so-called charity bullfights.  

Currently, the San Isidro fair is usually held between the 10 in May and the 10 in June, bringing together the great figures of the moment and the most advanced livestock. The whole bullfighting season revolves around what happens in this cycle, and it is between the aforementioned dates when the world of the bull captures the attention of amateurs and non-amateurs. 

For a month, the outskirts of Las Ventas are full of life: the bars, hotels and shops around the bullring are put "up to the flag", causing strong income in the economy of Madrid. Not surprisingly, it is estimated that San Isidro 2017 has left an economic footprint of 72,8 million euros, according to a report by the National Association of Organizers of Bullfighting Shows (Anoet), and receives the visit of some 630.000 people from all the corners of the world.