The city of Sincelejo, capital of the Sucre Department, is preparing to make history with the construction of the largest bullring in the world—a monumental structure that will be the centerpiece of the traditional January 20th Festivities of 2026, held in honor of the Dulce Nombre de Jesús (the city’s popular patron saint). This event, which combines folklore, music, gastronomy, and popular tradition, will also be a special edition, as it could mark the last official bullring festival in Colombia before new national regulations prohibiting such spectacles come into force.
The world’s largest bullring in Sincelejo, Colombia: An unprecedented work in the Caribbean
According to local authorities and festival organizers, the new venue—named Plaza del Foro Bravo—will measure over 1,500 meters in diameter, making it the largest bullring ever built. Its construction involves approximately 30,000 wooden poles of mangrove, mango, tabarco, and cativo, along with 3,000 zinc sheets, following the region’s traditional artisanal techniques.
The design of the structure seeks to preserve the essence of open bullrings, where the audience can participate directly in the festivities, a defining feature of this long-standing Caribbean celebration.
The main event is scheduled for January 20, 2026, though the festivities will extend over several days, featuring parades, vallenato music concerts, mariachi performances, orchestras, sound systems (picós), and folk groups. The Sincelejo City Hall expects the event to attract thousands of national and international visitors, reinforcing the city’s status as the capital of folklore, music, and popular joy in Colombia.
This year’s celebration is also expected to boost the local economy, creating temporary jobs and revitalizing sectors such as tourism, hospitality, transportation, and traditional Sucrean cuisine.
Tradition, identity, and national debate
The corralejas are a cultural expression deeply rooted in Colombia’s Caribbean coast, especially in the departments of Sucre, Córdoba, and Bolívar. These events, which combine music, celebration, and public participation, are seen by many as a symbol of regional identity and a tribute to rural heritage.
However, they have also been surrounded by controversy and debate. Animal rights organizations and civil society groups have long questioned the treatment of the bulls and the risks faced by participants, arguing that this practice should evolve toward forms of celebration free from violence.
In 2024, the Colombian Congress approved a law banning bullfights, novilladas, and corralejas nationwide, granting a three-year transition period for municipalities to adapt their festivities. This means that the Sincelejo 2026 corraleja could be the last in the country’s history, giving it a deeply symbolic and historical meaning.
Despite the debate, many residents of Sincelejo and the Caribbean region view the corralejas as a living expression of their popular culture, advocating for the preservation of their festive spirit through cultural and artistic alternatives that maintain the bond with tradition without harming animal welfare.
A cultural legacy in transformation
The construction of the world’s largest bullring in Sincelejo aims not only to break a record but also to pay tribute to a tradition that has shaped the history of Colombia’s Caribbean region for more than a century. According to the organizing committee, the project symbolizes “the end of an era and the beginning of a new cultural vision,” where music, festivity, and community remain central, but with a more sustainable and life-respecting approach.
With this monumental celebration, Sincelejo seeks to close a historic chapter with pride and joy, reaffirming its role as the cradle of Caribbean traditions and leaving behind a cultural legacy that—beyond the controversy—will remain an enduring part of Colombia’s collective memory.
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