A-Z of bullfighting

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Q: My son would love to watch a bullfight when we visit Madrid in June next year. Does fighting still take place? If so, where should we go and how do we get tickets? Any other information would be welcome. - Janice Kingstone

A: Bullfighting remains very popular in Spain, despite intense opposition. However, the King of Spain is a fervent supporter and has been quoted as saying that "the day the EU bans bullfighting is the day Spain leaves the EU". The most famous arena in Madrid is the Las Ventas Bullring, which seats 25,000 people. It is located in the east of Madrid and you can get there by Metro (Las Ventas station or by taxi). Fights are held on Sundays from March to October. You can buy tickets at one of the many ticket offices in central Madrid (try Galicia in Plaza del Carmen. Tel: 91 531 27 32) or online at the www.ticketstoros.com website. You can also buy tickets at the bullring on the day of the fight (or the two days before that).

If you are hoping to attend a fight during the three-week San Isidro festival (May-June), you will have to book in advance. With fights every night at 7pm, this is the best bullfighting season and is always sold out. The best - and most expensive - seats are in the shade close to the arena. The better seats go for around 100 Euros. One of the hassle-free ways to get to a bullfight is to book a "city and fight" tour, which will take you to see the city's most famous sights and then take you to Las Ventas to watch the bullfighting. Your tickets are booked in advance and you will be transported back to your hotel after the fight. An English-speaking tour, from May-October, is offered by Trapsatur agency (www.trapsatur.com).