The afternoon program opens with a trio of showcases, each tied to the largest packaging prepared by the Eventos Mare Nostrum company for this year’s spectacle.
The first presentation features José Maria Manzanares at the Plaza de España arena. Even if not at the peak of his form, the veteran bullfighter’s presence remains a compelling reason to consider him a strong addition to any shortlist. He continues to earn the trust of his fans and is expected to be one of the two busiest headline attractions in the entire fogueril cycle, delivering crowd-pleasing moments today and tomorrow.
Complementing this strong argument are two distinct talents that offer contrasting styles. The opening act is David Fandila El Fandi, a bullfighter deeply beloved by Alicante fans who has graced almost every fair over the past two decades. He is known for a thorough command in the first two-thirds of the performance, particularly in banderillas. His blend of athletic prowess, striking windmills, and signature moves like the moviola and the violin brings a unique spark to the ring and keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
Peruvian rider Andrés Roca Rey rounds out the lineup. The right-handed torero from Lima continues to generate intense interest and is already recognized as one of the judges in the bullfighters’ ranking. While his luck in Alicante has varied, his triumphs in the sport’s most prestigious arenas have established him as a focal point of major fairs. As the final act to command the field, he brings a measured authority and the capacity to handle the center stage that other notable swords have relied on. Bullfighting here is dominated by the control and discipline it exerts over the cattle, which are selected by lot to test the matador’s composure.
The bulls to be challenged carry the mark of Victoriano del Río, a favorite among bullfighting icons and often associated with victory. The lineage is deeply rooted in the Domecq tradition, weaving through various paths that have produced many of the last great gates in Las Ventas. Those iron horns have historically played a crucial role as necessary collaborators in some of the arena’s most memorable moments. [Citation: Eventos Mare Nostrum Archives]