Salvaterra de Magos Bullring

Category: Civil Architecture > Bullring

District: Santarém > Salvaterra de Magos > Salvaterra de Magos

Location

Situated in the village of Salvaterra de Magos, this bullring is set in an environment that reflects the locality's strong connection to equestrian and bullfighting traditions. Visitors will find it in an area that allows them to appreciate the Ribatejo identity, with its architecture and the calm atmosphere characteristic of this part of the municipality.

Architecture and Identity

The Salvaterra de Magos Bullring, inaugurated in 1920, features a classic style design. Its circular-plan structure houses tiered seating that unfolds around the arena, inviting the public to experience the spectacles. This building is a testament to the local dedication to bullfighting and a landmark in the village.

Outside the bullring, there is a remarkable bronze sculptural group. This artwork depicts a 'campino' (Ribatejo horseman) on horseback in full action with a bull, and is a true emblem of the village of Salvaterra de Magos, symbolizing the region's intrinsic connection to rural and bull culture.

History and Bullfighting Tradition

The history of bullfighting in Salvaterra de Magos dates back to the 17th century, with bullfights being documented for a long time. For centuries, bullfighting spectacles took place in temporary or permanent wooden enclosures. The construction of the current masonry bullring, in the early 20th century, stemmed from the commitment of a group of aficionados who desired a permanent space suitable for local traditions.

The inaugural bullfight, on August 1, 1920, was a milestone in the village's history, bringing together prominent figures of equestrian bullfighting and 'forcado' groups of the era. Later, in a gesture of great local generosity, the Construction Committee handed over ownership of the bullring to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Salvaterra de Magos (Holy House of Mercy of Salvaterra de Magos), ensuring its future and its role in the community.

A Notable Royal Episode

Salvaterra de Magos was the scene of a dramatic episode in the 18th century, which highlights the profound connection of Portuguese royalty and court to bullfighting. In February 1776, during a royal bullfight in the village's main square, not in the current bullring, but in a central space of the locality, a tragic accident occurred.

In the presence of King D. José I and a large part of the Court, the 7th Count of Arcos, while bullfighting on horseback, was fatally gored by a bull. This event had a profound impact, leading King D. José I to order the suspension of royal bullfights. However, after the monarch's death the following year, the population of Salvaterra de Magos re-established its bullfighting traditions, which continue to this day. The memory of this event remains alive in local culture, with the Portuguese equestrian bullfighter's costume still including a black ribbon in mourning for the Count of Arcos.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt