The second paseo staged by José Mari Manzanares before his homeland’s admirers carried the air of a worldly bullfighting fair, capable of gracing venues of every level. If one looks past the everyday chorus of admirers, Manzanares emerges as a defining figure of this century for Spanish bullfighting, with the Levantine faithful recognizing his artistry in a way few others match. He has answered with a string of performances that reflect both his experience and his enduring appeal, making the event feel inevitable even to those who might not fully anticipate its emotional charge.
When Morante de la Puebla’s undeniable charm parallels the presence of the Alicante native, the poster takes on richer shades of artistic prestige. The Seville native stands at an advanced stage of his career, and the health crisis that affected the sport only sharpened his resolve. It pushed him to seize the most significant bullfighting cycles with renewed determination rather than retreat. The city of Alicante has witnessed a succession of peak performances, including a standout showing in 2019 that remains fresh in memory.
Pablo Aguado, the torero whose rise was perhaps most disrupted by the pandemic pause, brings the final highlight to the lineup. A breakthrough afternoon in Seville marked him as a rising star in 2019 and set the tone for a season of notable growth. A recent setback in Madrid prevented his appearance at Terreta, turning this appearance into a much-anticipated public presentation. His style emphasizes warmth and vertical, almost sculptural lines, showcasing a natural ease and the unmistakable Sevillanía that defines his craft.
The bulls chosen to accompany such artistic effort were under the banner of Álvaro Núñez of Núñez del Cuvillo, a breeding line that has long been associated with lively performance and a spirit of festive bullfighting. The animal’s temperament and power complement Núñez’s approach, creating a pairing that bullfighting aficionados know well—one that invites spectators to celebrate the playful, almost theatrical side of the arena.
In a quieter moment of homage, Plaza de Toros marked the memory of Pedro Planelles, a former torero whose passing earlier in the year was felt across the community. A ceramic plaque now commemorates his contribution, and his family—Sergio and Verónica—along with his brother Ramón, joined a loyal circle of admirers to honor his legacy. The gathering underscored how bullfighting lives in memory as much as in the arena, linking past and present through shared appreciation.