Attendance and Highlights of the Alicante Bonfire Fair
A total of 51,797 spectators filled the Alicante Arena for the Bonfire Fair, which featured eight bullfighting shows. This turnout underscored the bulls’ continued appeal and affirmed the Alicante cycle as a trusted cornerstone of the Spanish bullfighting season, as stated by the management company responsible for the venue.
Morante de la Puebla, who appeared in the closing moments of the program, benefited from strong box office despite José María Manzanares’ recent surgery and an unfortunate incident the day before in Badajoz. The promotional poster continued to showcase El Juli, Roca Rey, and Tomás Rufo, with Friday the 23rd drawing the largest crowd and selling more than 200 tickets per position, leaving some sections labeled as sold out. A total of 11,262 people attended across the day.
In a brief note about the public spectacle, the evening’s triumphs culminated with a three-bullfighter Puerta Grande opening at 23. The event clearly demonstrated strong local interest and enthusiasm among attendees.
The August 2022 appearance of José Tomás was a rare moment of fullness, returning after several years with a lively and victorious show featuring three matadors on his shoulders.
Closing the week, the Sunday program featured bulls from Victorino Martín, with Rafaelillo, Manuel Escribano, and Pablo Aguado headlining an evening that gathered 8,062 attendees. Earlier in the month, the rejoneo show attracted 6,831 spectators, with Andy Cartagena, Diego Ventura, and Lea Vicens delivering a notable performance on the 18th.
Interest
The cycle, organized by Mare Nostrum Events, highlighted how Alicante fans respond when the lineup emphasizes quality and engaging programming. The city saw substantial attendance across the events, with little doubt about the crowd’s enthusiasm for well-curated performances. The overall influx demonstrated that the Bonfire Fair remains a vital event on Alicante’s cultural calendar.
On the 23rd and 24th, the average attendance approached 5,800 spectators per day, with a dedicated bullfighting segment featuring picadors drawing strong participation from audiences. The producer’s meticulous planning stood out in a province where few cities could match such a turnout. Additionally, signups for hands-on classes with local bullfighting schools registered around 10,000 participants across two sessions, underscoring a deep community engagement with the sport.
In the arena, the atmosphere was electric as the Victorino Martín bulls faced brave challengers. The day’s events highlighted a steady level of interest, with notable moments where eight great gates opened and two bulls received notable rotations in the arena. The morning rounds and enchiqueramientos drew even more excitement, with fans lining up daily at the barn gates to witness the bullfighting heroes up close. The organizers confirmed that Alicante and its supporters celebrated the Bonfire Fair as a strong, healthy addition to the city’s entertainment calendar.
Overall, the Bonfire Fair left a lasting impression on the city’s cultural scene, showing resilience and sustained public interest in traditional events that blend spectacle, tradition, and local pride.