A lively and balanced series continues to build momentum for the Bonfire Show, signaling a pivotal moment as the year reaches its final arc. The legendary torero José Antonio Morante de la Puebla, a force that once electrified Seville, is set to headline in Alicante this April alongside a celebrated lineup. Victorino Martín, the breeder, rancher, and entrepreneur, remains a driving voice behind the season, infusing the festivities with his distinctive philosophy. Morante, who has long refused to bow to contrived spectacle, approaches the Bonfires with a sense of duty and artistry that has defined his career. His pursuit of excellence is not about chasing necessity but about expressing his craft by choice. The moment Morante lowers the last tail at La Maestranza is a reminder of a career that has stood the test of more than five decades, a milestone that continues to shape the sport. Rafael Rubio is a key figure in this landscape, guiding a tradition that occasionally overlooks the bigger fairs, while Pablo Aguado is a rising talent whose recent Córdoba performances have drawn critical attention for their sustained quality.
Victorino bulls underline the dynamic potential of a fair that emphasizes versatility across its programming. The rancher notes that bullfighting remains a balanced art form with breadth and depth, possibly surpassing what is often considered second-tier bullfighting. His return to Alicante after more than twenty years is framed as a celebration of the Feria. A warm commendation goes to the Alicante businessman, Nacho Lloret, and to Morante de la Puebla for their influential roles in the milestone tail-cutting in Seville. The message is clear: a bullfighter of Morante’s caliber benefits from presenting himself to diverse stock. Victorino’s bulls have historically been paired with El Cid in Olivenza, Dax, and Seville, making this Alicante engagement a natural continuation of a broader tradition. While Alicante may not be known for a single dominant bullfighting culture, its fairs are increasingly shaped by the ambitions and concerns of the business community, and this year has seen two major events standout: Manzanares facing six bulls and Morante confronting Victorino’s stock.
Manzanares with Six Bulls and Morante with Victorinos — Impactful Moments at the Bonfire Fair
A few days prior, Morante and Victorino participated in an awards ceremony honoring the winners of the April Fair hosted by a prominent retail group. The rancher asked Morante whether he planned to tempt the cattle at Las Tiesas, where Victorino’s bulls graze, and Morante gave a straightforward reply that he did not intend to ride those cows in that moment. The exchange underscored the candid relationship between the farmer and the bullfighter, grounded in mutual respect and clear expectations.
Rafaelillo, from Murcia, is poised for a decisive presence in Alicante, seeking to establish territorial credibility in a year marked by unusual challenges. He has built a niche by tackling particularly demanding fights, a path that has drawn attention across major venues such as Valencia, Madrid, and Seville. It is also noteworthy that promotional materials for the Sevilla-based Pablo Aguado feature Victorino bulls, highlighting a first-time faceoff with the Cardenos, and positioning the Alicante arena as a crucial battleground for the Sevillian talent as the season unfolds.
POSTERS OF HOGUERAS FAIR:
-18 June Sunday: The bulls of Fermín Bohórquez. Andy Cartagena, Diego Ventura, Lea Vicens
-Monday 19 and Tuesday 20: Practical lessons with students of the Alicante Municipal Bullfighting School
-Wednesday, June 21: The helms of Zacarías Moreno. Santiago Esplá, Borja Escudero and Kevin Alcolado who made his debut with the picadors.
-Thursday, June 22: Juan Pedro Domecq. David Fandila El Fandi, Sebastian Castella and Daniel Luque.
-Friday, June 23: Victoria River. Julián López El Juli, Andrés Roca Rey and Tomás Rufo.
-24 June Saturday: Six bulls from Daniel Ruiz. José María Manzanares, alone.
-25 June Sunday: Victorin Martin. Rafael Rubio Rafaelillo, José Antonio Morante de la Puebla and Pablo Aguado.