The Alicante Town Hall hosted another milestone in the city’s bullfighting calendar, reinforcing the momentum behind Alicante’s traditional celebrations. This year’s Bonfire Fair awards ceremony took place in the Blue Room of the Town Hall, with the mayor, Luis Barcala, presiding at 19:30. The event underscored the long-standing partnership between the municipal authorities and the local bullfighting community, highlighting the role of the City’s cultural portfolio in sustaining this facet of Alicante’s festive life.
Bullfighter Tomás Rufo, cattleman Juan Pedro Domecq, and the Municipal Bullfighting School were singled out for distinct recognitions. Rufo, who made his Alicante debut during the June cycle, earned recognition as the Bonfire Fair Winner for his standout performance on June 25, notably after Domecq moved to sanction three ears from a single bull. This moment, captured in public memory, strengthened Rufo’s reputation within the sport and among the city’s spectators.
Juan Pedro Domecq will receive the trophy associated with the bull that Rufo saw missing on June 25. The two commemorative mugs given to the recipients are crafted from methacrylate and finished in white, bearing the Moorish silhouette and the image of a bullfighter in a face-to-face stance on stilts at the base. The trophy design was produced by a local business development center affiliated with the Alicante Town Hall and the Local Employment Agency, symbolizing the city’s commitment to civic enterprise and regional craftsmanship.
The Municipal Bullfighting School was also honored with a Special Mention for its outstanding contribution to the Alicante bullfighting quarry. The School’s Principal, Francisco José Palazón, accepted this accolade. For the first time in the school’s history, students will be invited to visit the Blue Room, a moment underscored by journalist Salvador Ferrer who presented the award proceedings and provided context for the event.
Mari Carmen, a council member representing Plaza de Toros, described the initiative as a forward-looking plan that positions bullfighting as a meaningful cultural asset for Alicante. The City Council’s efforts extend beyond the arena to shape the festival’s broader cultural dimension, complementing the Bonfire Fair’s series of events and the ongoing recognition of those who support and sustain this June bullfighting calendar cornerstone.