These days are quite a comedown from those of the Beatles. In recent years, Monumental has, as Barcelona’s last functioning coso (bullring), become an anachronism. During the April-September bullfighting season it has largely been a destination for curious tourists and die-hard local fans. Out of season, it’s used by travelling circuses to put up their big top. A new lease on life could, however, soon be breathed into this local landmark: the announcement last December that 2007 might see the final bullfighting season in Monumental, due to economic losses, was quickly followed by a suggestion from the Ajuntament that the city’s flea market, the Encants Vells (to be made homeless by remodelling of the Glòries area) could move in there.
The Modernista Monumental ring was designed by Manuel Raspall and opened in 1914; the exterior ‘crown’ by Andreu Mas was added in 1916. It seats over 19,500 spectators, and has a façade of red brick and blue and white tiles, with four Dalí-esque egg shapes dominating the entrance. Just above the ticket office, marked out in blue tiles, are the words Sol and Sombra, indicating to which side spectators should go depending on whether they want to sit in the sun or spend the extra cash for a spot in the shade.
Almost since its beginning, the destiny of the Monumental ring has been linked to the Balañá family. Entrepreneur Pedro Balañá Espinós was first manager and later owner of the bullring, along with Les Arenes in Plaça Espanya, and others around Spain. Today, Grup Balañá is a large entertainment organisation, owning several theatres and multiplex cinemas in Barcelona. The company loses €24,000 from each Monumental bullfight, according to news reports in December 2006, and observers have predicted that the 2007 season will be the last. “We are not making any comments on this to anyone at the moment,” a Balañá spokesman told Metropolitan, when asked for details. But, he admitted, eventually a statement would have to be made. It could well be the announcement that sees the unofficial end of corrides in Barcelona.
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