“Imagine the roar of the crowd,” I say as we stand before the Plaza de Toros Quito. This arena has seen so much. It is more than just a bullring. It is a stage for cultural expression.
The Plaza de Toros Quito officially opened on March 5 1960. The opening featured bullfighters Luis Miguel Dominguín Pepe Cáceres and Manolo Segura. Since then the Plaza de Toros Quito has hosted countless bullfights. The most famous bullfighters in the world have performed here.
This arena can hold 15000 people. It stands in the Jipijapa parish in Quito. The location is near the intersection of Amazonas Juan de Azcaray and Tomás de Berlanga avenues. It’s a key landmark surrounded by shops and restaurants. This area has become a center for specialized commerce.
Before the Plaza de Toros Quito other bullrings existed. These included plazas in Larrea Guangacalle Arenas and Belmonte. Only the Belmonte bullring still stands today.
The Plaza de Toros Quito also hosted the Feria de Quito Jesús del Gran Poder. This annual event took place during the Fiestas de Quito in late November and early December. It ran uninterrupted until 2011. A public vote then banned events that killed animals. Ticket sales dropped and the event was canceled after 2012.
The Plaza de Toros Quito hosted the Corridas de la Prensa. The Unión Nacional de Periodistas organized this event. It occurred annually from 1961 to 1996 with a break between 1972 and 1995.
The Plaza de Toros Quito has served as a concert venue too. Many famous artists have performed here. Menudo played here in 1981 to 16000 fans. Hombres G and Ilegales played in 1987. Víctor Heredia and Umbral performed in 1989. Other artists include Mercedes Sosa Chayanne and Luis Miguel.
After a referendum bullfighting ceased here. The citizens of Quito voted against it. The Plaza de Toros Quito stands as a reminder of tradition. It is a place where culture and controversy meet. It remains a significant landmark in Quito’s story.