Lima's historic bullring stands as the oldest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere
In short: In the Rímac District of Lima, Peru, sits a national monument that has hosted spectacles since 1766. As the premier venue for bullfighting in the Americas, this adobe and wood structure remains a central cultural landmark, bridging centuries of tradition from colonial origins to modern musical performances and annual festivals.
The Plaza de Toros de Acho traces its origins to the vision of Agustín Hipólito de Landaburu, who received authorization in 1765 to build a permanent arena for Lima's Carnival celebrations. The site chosen, known as el Hacho—a Quechua term for an elevated location overlooking the sea—had previously hosted temporary rings since 1754. Construction concluded rapidly, and the venue officially opened its gates on January 30, 1766, with an inaugural event featuring the matadors Pisí, Maestro de España, and Gallipavo. The very first bull dispatched in the ring was a white animal named El Albañil.
Architecturally, the plaza is notable for its traditional construction using wood and adobe. While it remains the most significant of Peru's 56 official bullrings, it has undergone changes over time. By 1944, the structure had deteriorated, necessitating a major remodeling project. While the renovation successfully preserved the character of the arena, it was not without its critics; some observers lamented the loss of its original, weathered aesthetic, comparing the aging structure to a fading performer burdened by past glories. Today, the plaza maintains a capacity of 13,700 spectators.
Beyond its primary function as a bullring, the plaza has served various roles in Peruvian history. During the struggle for independence from Spain, between 1821 and 1826, the arena's financial proceeds were diverted to support the liberating army. In more recent decades, the venue has expanded its cultural footprint, famously hosting a major concert by the band Los Prisioneros in 1987. Each year, the arena remains the focal point of the Señor de los Milagros festival, held on Sundays throughout October and November. During this period, the world's most celebrated bullfighters compete for the prestigious Escapulario de Oro, while the best bull is honored with the Escapulario de Plata.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Plaza de toros de Acho
- Also: Wikidata — Plaza de toros de Acho · CC0
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