Daniel do Nascimento Bullring

Category: Civil Architecture > Bullring

District: Setúbal > Moita > Moita > Bairro da Remoa

Location

The Daniel do Nascimento Bullring is located in the town of Moita, in the Remoa neighborhood. Its presence is a striking element in the town's urban landscape, visible and central to the community's life. It naturally integrates into the daily life of Moita, being one of its most prominent and recognized buildings.

Origins and Bullfighting Tradition

Moita boasts a long and deeply rooted tradition linked to bullfighting, dating back to the mid-19th century. As early as 1837, the festivities in honor of Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem included bullfights, a sign of strong local affection. The growing interest in the bullfight led to the construction of a first bullring, inaugurated in 1872 and known as Praça de Touros de Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem or, popularly, Praça da Caldeira. After 75 years of activity, this bullring was deemed unsafe and demolished in 1947, leaving Moita without a suitable space for its bullfights, which led to the interruption of the festivities in 1948 and 1949.

Construction and Legacy

The absence of a bullring was an unsustainable situation for the Moita community, which decided to erect a new space. For this purpose, the Sociedade Moitense de Tauromaquia (Moita Bullfighting Society) was established, becoming the owner of the current building. The new Daniel do Nascimento Bullring opened its doors on July 16, 1950. The chosen name honors Daniel Nascimento, a notable banderillero native to Moita, born in 1887. This tribute is perpetuated on the bullring's main facade, where an azulejo panel displays his name, marking the figure's importance in local bullfighting.

Structure and Environment

Designed to host bullfighting spectacles, the bullring has a capacity of 5,150 seats. Inside, essential infrastructures for this type of venue are found, such as the horse patio, the corrals for the bulls, an infirmary, and a chapel. These elements, although functional, reflect respect for tradition and the necessary preparation for the events, contributing to the authenticity of the space.

Hub of National Bullfighting

Over the decades, the Daniel do Nascimento Bullring has consolidated its position as one of the main stages for bullfighting in Portugal. The town of Moita is particularly recognized for its afición for 'toureio a pé' (bullfighting on foot), valuing the art of the cape, the muleta, and the banderillas. Annually, in September, within the scope of the Festivities in Honor of Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem, the bullring hosts the Moita Bullfighting Fair, considered the most important in the country, with the largest number of bullfighting spectacles in a single week, reinforcing Moita's bullfighting identity and the central role of this arena.

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