Costa Rica’s ‘Toros a la Tica’: The bullfighting tradition that breaks with convention - Video

Known as toros a la tica, the event invites amateur bullfighters to face charging bulls in front of cheering crowds, testing agility and nerve in a tradition that, unlike conventional bullfighting, explicitly forbids harming the animals.

Held annually from 25 December to 6 January, the festivities are a longstanding fixture of Costa Rica’s cultural calendar. Hundreds of spectators gather in a festive, family-oriented atmosphere, where improvised and often costumed participants step into the ring, waiting as a bull bursts out and charges, drawing loud reactions from the stands.

For those who take part, the appeal lies in the adrenaline and the public response. Amateur bullfighter Andrei Romero said the thrill comes from interacting with the animal and hearing the crowd’s applause and shouts as the bull closes in, moments that define the experience for both participants and spectators.

For many Costa Ricans, toros a la tica represent a distinctive way of marking the end of the year, blending excitement, humour and a strong sense of community. The tradition is seen as a shared cultural expression, passed down through generations and rooted in local identity.

Veteran bullfighter Jorge Rojas, 74, recalled that earlier bullfighting events in Costa Rica, during the late 1960s and early 1970s, were largely unregulated. He noted that the modern version operates under clear rules, reinforcing the emphasis on safety and animal welfare.

The origins of toros a la tica date back to the colonial era, when bullfights followed the customs of the Spanish crown. After independence, the practice continued but evolved, eventually becoming known as corridas a la tica — a term that reflects Costa Rica’s distinctive style and its departure from more violent forms of bullfighting.