Since the inception of the Corrida Goyesca in Ronda’s September fair in 1954, the Damas Goyesca of Ronda have been the official representatives of the city, and welcoming committee for visiting dignitaries.
The role is exceptionally demanding, not only from the level of responsibility, but also from the long schedule of training, and gown fittings before the build up to the week’s festivities.
So exceptionally popular have been the Damas Goyesca, that in 2009, a bronze statue of a Goyesca lady was inaugurated in Alameda park, directly across from the statue of Pedro Romero, Ronda’s most famous bullfighter. Actually this statue is the start point for the Ronda Today audio guide tour.
Every year a president of the Damas Goyesca is chosen, usually she is a woman well respected in Ronda, someone who has earned the affection of the people of Ronda, and who is held up as a model of womanhood for others to emulate.
At the same time, fourteen younger Rondeñas are picked to support the president in her duties, typically the younger Damas Goyesca will be in their teens, and of course chosen for their beauty, as well as their grace.
Why the “Goyesca” Ladies?
Every year in Ronda several of the town’s ladies are chosen to be the Damas Goyescas, and represent the ladies seen in some of Francisco de Goya’s paintings of bullfighting and pageantry from the late 18th century. Many of Goya’s paintings were in fact commissioned by a tapestry workshop in Madrid, the aim being to print the paintings on fabric.
Take a look at this 1973 documentary about the life and work of Francisco de Goya
When Goya painted his portraits of nobility, the fashion of the day was for colourful fabrics, and matching accessories such as shoes, fans, hairpieces etc. The gowns worn by Ronda’s Dames Goyesca are not exact copies of those seen in Goya’s paintings, instead they are designed to reflect the matador designs seen in Goya’s paintings of Pedro Romero, so can be said to be complimentary rather than historically correct.
Some art historians argue Goya’s paintings of the Duchess of Alba are the inspiration for the gowns worn by the Damas Goyesca, and to a lesser extent this might be true, in that many of the simpler gowns worn by the ladies are very reminiscent. The more complex designs however have been developed in the 20th century in response to perceived fashions of the 18th century, and as such are even more stunning and beautiful than they would have been.
Each outfit can cost many thousands of Euros, everything is custom made to suit the lady, right down to handmade shoes and lace shawls. In addition, each Goyesca lady usually has another gown for less formal occasions, and perhaps a third for specific medal ceremonies.
Voicemap GPS Audio Guide for Ronda
The Damas Goyesca of Ronda is included in the VoiceMap GPS Audio Guide for Ronda.
Discover some hidden corners of Ronda with me on this audio guide tour of the “City of Dreams”
https://voicemap.me/tour/ronda/ronda-andalucia-s-city-of-dreams-a-walking-tour
FAQ: Discovering Damas Goyesca – Ronda’s Historic Pageantry
The Damas Goyesca is a celebrated dress-up gala held in Ronda, inspired by the elegance of Francisco de Goya’s time. Women don traditional “goyesca” attire—ornate mantillas and lace—while men wear matching period outfits, evoking the aesthetic of early 19th-century Spain.
This annual event began in 1962, complementing the bullfighting Feria Goyesca. It was created to revive and celebrate Andalusian customs, culture, and the style linked to Goya’s imagery.
The Damas Goyesca takes place during Ronda’s September Feria Goyesca. Participants dress in historical costumes and parade through town, often accompanied by music and fanfare. The highlight is a grand presentation in the the Real Maestranza bullring.
Primarily women from the local community don the Goya-era gowns and mantillas. It’s a point of civic pride, and participation is typically by invitation or through local heritage associations.
The outfits reflect the early 1800s: lace mantillas draped over combs, embroidered shawls, brocade skirts for the ladies, and tailored waistcoats, jackets, and sashes for the gentlemen—evoking the elegance of Goya’s portraits.
Absolutely. While it’s a community event, tourists and spectators are warmly welcomed to view the procession and atmosphere. Timing your trip during the Feria Goyesca enhances the chance to witness it.
The route typically starts at the bullring and winds through central Ronda. Viewing from the Plaza del Socorro or around Plaza de Toros offers ideal vantage points as it winds through the historic centre.
The event usually lasts about an hour, incorporating music and orchestrated movement. Precise scheduling depends on the year’s Feria programme.
While the term “Damas” highlights female attendees, men in period costume often accompany their partners as part of the presentation, though main participants are women in Goya-style gowns.
This vibrant event brings alive Andalucian heritage—and Goya’s artistic legacy—with dramatic historical costume, music, and local clout. It transforms Ronda into a living canvas, enriching the Feria Goyesca experience and offering visitors a deeper cultural connecti
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!