Guadalajara’s February bullfighting season – one of most important of the year – gets underway at the Plaza de Toros Nuevo Progreso Saturday, February 4, 5 p.m., when the toreros topping the bill will be Nacho Garibay, Miguel Ángel Perera and Diego Silveti.
The action continues with more corridas (bullfights) on Saturday, February 11, 4 p.m.; Sunday, February 19, 5 p.m. and Sunday, February 26, 5 p.m.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Nuevo Progreso bullring located on Calzada Independencia, across from the Estadio Jalisco (soccer stadium).
Bullfighting is a polemic activity and has its fair share of detractors who say it is unnecessarily cruel to the bulls and not a fair match. It does, however, have a long history in Mexico and a large core of fans in Guadalajara and Jalisco. Supporters of bullfighting argue that it is an art form and that bulls that participate are treated much better than those generally used for meat. The spectacle is not recommended for persons of squeamish disposition.
February’s bullfights attract the top matadores from Mexico and Europe and are generally well attended by Tapatio aficionados. Tickets prices range from 150-1,300 pesos and are available at the bullring’s box office (also on the day of the event) or through Ticketmaster.
The Plaza de Toros Nuevo Progreso is at Montes Pirineos 1930, Colonia Monumental,. Call (33) 3651-8378 for more information.