Montera

A folk hat and classic matador hat

A Montera is a hat worn with traditional folk costumes of the Iberian peninsula. The Montera is also the hat used by bullfighters and was introduced to the ritual event in 1835 by Francisco ‘Paquiro’ Montes as accompaniment to the traje de luces, or ‘suit of lights’.

The Montera is habitually covered in astrakhan fur (from lamb skins) with an inner lining of velvet. The image of a saint is sometimes printed on the lining as a talisman of good luck.

Famous Montera wearers

• Francisco ‘Paquiro’ Montes
• Juan Belmonte
• Domingo Dominguín