What does a bullfighter’s montera hat look like and when is it worn?

The montera is a traditional hat worn by bullfighters as part of their formal attire, known as the traje de luces. It is a knobbed hat constructed from heavy buckram and covered in tiny black silk chenille balls that are hand-sewn in specific designs.1

The hat is worn during the opening procession (paseo) of the bullfight, where matadors enter the arena alongside their banderilleros and picadors. Additionally, the montera plays a significant role during the third and final act of the spectacle, the faena. In this phase, the matador may hold the hat aloft while formally dedicating the bull to a spectator or friend, after which the montera is tossed to them. Alternatively, if the matador dedicates the kill to the general public, they will doff the hat to the crowd before tossing it over their shoulder onto the ground. Superstitious bullfighters often observe how the hat lands, as a montera landing upside down is traditionally considered an omen that it may soon be filled with the bullfighter's blood.12