When travelers think of Costa Rica, images of lush rainforests, exotic wildlife, pristine beaches, and eco-adventures usually come to mind. Yet beyond zip lines and volcano hikes, Costa Rica also hosts a number of traditional—and sometimes shocking—cultural events. Among the most controversial and fascinating is a uniquely Costa Rican spectacle known as “Toros a la Tica.”
Unlike the traditional Spanish bullfighting seen in parts of Europe and Latin America, Costa Rica’s bullfights follow a very different philosophy. The bulls are not harmed, but the humans often are. This unusual inversion of risk makes Toros a la Tica one of the most intense and debated cultural traditions in the country.
What Is Toros a la Tica?
Toros a la Tica roughly translates to “Costa Rican-style bulls.” In this event, dozens of volunteers—mostly young men, but sometimes women—enter a bullring where a 1,000-pound fighting bull is released among them.
There is no sword, no matador costume, and no killing of the bull. Instead, the objective is simple but dangerous:
Display courage, agility, and bravado—without getting gored.
Participants taunt, dodge, and outrun the bull, often with little more than street clothes and athletic shoes. The bull charges freely, snorting, kicking up dirt, and using its full strength. The crowd roars as near misses and dramatic escapes unfold.
Where and When Do These Bullfights Take Place?
The most famous Toros a la Tica events occur during the Christmas and New Year holiday season, particularly in the Central Valley.
Zapote Fairgrounds
The most well-known bullfights take place at the Zapote fairgrounds in San José. This event traditionally runs for 10 days starting on Christmas Day and draws massive crowds.
Pedregal Events Area
Due to the popularity and logistical challenges of Zapote, a second major venue has emerged at the Pedregal events area, also located in the Central Valley. It offers a similar format and atmosphere.
Other Festivals
Bull events are not limited to December. Similar encounters happen throughout the year at:
- Palmares Festival (mid-January)
- Local town fiestas
- Patron saint celebrations
- Regional fairs across Costa Rica
In many cases, these events are combined with traditional bull riding, music, food stalls, and carnival attractions.
Injuries Are Common—and Expected
Toros a la Tica is not a safe activity. According to Cruz Roja (Red Cross) statistics, more than 150 people are injured each year at Zapote alone. Some injuries require hospitalization.
Participants suffer:
- Broken ribs
- Puncture wounds
- Head injuries
- Internal injuries from trampling
- Horn wounds that can be life-threatening
Even experienced event staff are not immune. One long-time Zapote bullring worker—after years of avoiding serious injury—was caught off-guard by a bull shortly after Christmas. He was chased, trampled, and left with four broken ribs and a hoof mark branded across his back.
On rare occasions, fatalities do occur.
Who Can Participate?
Participation is voluntary, and anyone entering the ring must have medical insurance. This requirement acknowledges the inherent danger of the event.
Despite the risks, many young Costa Ricans see participation as:
- A rite of passage
- A test of courage
- A chance for recognition
- A way to win prize money
Organizers often offer cash prizes to participants who display exceptional bravery or agility.
The Bulls Are Protected
One of the defining aspects of Costa Rican bullfighting is that the bulls are not harmed. Unlike Spanish-style bullfights, there are:
- No spears
- No swords
- No intentional injury to the animal
Animal welfare laws in Costa Rica are strict, and Toros a la Tica is designed so that only humans take the risk. The bull is eventually guided out of the ring unharmed and may be used again in future events.
This distinction is often cited by defenders of the tradition as evidence that it aligns with Costa Rica’s strong animal protection values.
Why Is It So Popular?
Despite injuries, protests, and controversy, Toros a la Tica remains immensely popular. Seats can cost up to $50, and events regularly sell out.
Reasons for Its Popularity
- Deep cultural roots
- High-adrenaline excitement
- Community tradition
- Carnival atmosphere
- Televised coverage
- International broadcast rights
In a single afternoon, six or more bulls may be released one after another, each creating new moments of chaos and excitement.
Big Business and Media Attention
These events are highly lucrative for organizers. Revenue comes from:
- Ticket sales
- Television broadcasting rights
- International media distribution
- Sponsorships
- Food and beverage concessions
The Zapote bull event itself is a municipal concession sold by the Municipalidad de San José, making it both a cultural and economic enterprise.
Animal Rights Protests
Various animal rights organizations have protested Toros a la Tica over the years. While the bulls are not killed, critics argue that:
- The animals experience stress
- The events promote violence
- Public safety risks are excessive
Despite these protests, there has been little movement to end the tradition, largely due to its popularity and cultural significance.
A Cultural Perspective
For many Costa Ricans, Toros a la Tica is not about cruelty—it’s about:
- Tradition
- Community celebration
- Fearlessness
- Humor
- Survival
The event is often described as chaotic, unpredictable, and even absurd—but deeply Costa Rican.
A Travel Planner’s Perspective
Nina Cabezas Creed, a Costa Rica vacation planner, explains why some visitors choose to attend:
“Why go to a Costa Rica bullfight? First—it is something to experience that is very much Costa Rican culture. The bulls are huge and mean, so it makes for a lot of excitement when the bull is allowed in the ring with several small young guys. These kids run for their lives when the bull charges!”
She adds:
“The bull snorts, kicks the dirt, and charges toward the young kid. Serious wounds often occur when the bull’s horns enter the body of the young fighter.”
For spectators, the thrill lies in witnessing raw, unscripted danger—something rarely seen in modern, regulated entertainment.
Should Tourists Attend?
For visitors, Toros a la Tica can be:
- Fascinating
- Shocking
- Entertaining
- Disturbing
Tourists are spectators only, safely seated in the stands. Participation is not recommended and generally discouraged for foreigners.
Those who attend should understand:
- This is not a staged performance
- Injuries are real
- Cultural sensitivity is important
Final Thoughts
Toros a la Tica is one of Costa Rica’s most unusual and controversial traditions. It reflects a complex blend of cultural pride, risk-taking, celebration, and controversy. While the bulls walk away unharmed, the same cannot always be said for the humans who choose to face them.
For better or worse, Costa Rican bullfights remain a powerful symbol of local culture—one that continues to draw crowds, spark debate, and challenge perceptions of what a bullfight can be.
Whether you view it as thrilling, reckless, or simply fascinating, Toros a la Tica is undeniably Costa Rican—raw, intense, and unforgettable.