José Tomás returns to Alicante Bullring
The Valencia region fans were greeted by a robust poster run as the Alicante Bullring unveiled a summer programme that blends tradition with star power. The lineup features standout figures of contemporary bullfighting and a schedule that promises intense afternoons and evenings across the fair dates. The August 7 date is highlighted by the anticipated appearance of José Tomás, a globally recognized figure whose presence elevates expectations for crowds in Alicante.
The mayor of Alicante, Luis Barcala, along with the head of the Plaza de Toros, Mari Carmen from Spain, and local arena entrepreneur Nacho Lloret, introduced the posters in a Blue Hall packed with bullfighting professionals who back the fair’s full return. The event is described as a showcase that can replace ordinary bullfights with a city-wide celebration around the sport. The fair is framed as an opportunity for bullfighting communities to come together and draw attention to Alicante as a premier venue.
This season opens with a rejones celebration on June 19 and closes with a bullfight featuring pikes on Sunday, June 26. The programme also serves as a commemorative homage to Manzanares on the 50th anniversary of his debut as a professional and will include matinee shows. On the 23rd, El Fandi and Roca Rey share the lineup, and on the 24th the fair’s center stage shifts to an afternoon session featuring Morante de la Puebla and Pablo Aguado.
Morante de la Puebla is set to share a short list on the 25th alongside Alejandro Talavante and Tomas Rufo, while the opening bullfight on the 25th will be a rejones performance led by Andy Cartagena, with Lea Vicens and Hermoso de Mendoza. The 26th will conclude with the lal novillada picada featuring a roster of rising toreros including Borja Ximelis, Santiago Espla, and Borja Escudero, marking a renewed emphasis on emerging talent.
In a reflection of the event’s significance, the fair’s banner was signed by bullfighter Luis Francisco Esplá from Alicante, described by organizers as a symbolic capstone for the year. This artwork is presented as a synthesis of local identity and national bullfighting culture, meant to inspire optimism and light throughout the season.
City officials stressed the belief that the Alicante arena is a place of responsibility. The management team, led by David Caballero and Nacho Lloret, is praised for presenting an exhibition that aims to be more extraordinary than ever. The officials emphasize that the fair should reflect the city’s cultural status and contribute to local wealth by attracting visitors from near and far.
There is a call for responsible organization that helps place the fair on a national and international map of bullfighting. The leadership notes that a fair of this scale should not rely on uneven access to tickets but should preserve the quality of the show, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees.
The governing body for the Bonfire Fair has seen some political debate. A municipal group criticizes the programming and calls for a shift away from bullfighting toward broader cultural activities that engage the entire community. The proposal suggests transferring the Plaza de Toros to municipal administration to broaden its use for diverse cultural and social activities.
Promotional posters outline the week’s events starting Sunday, June 19 with Fermín Bohórquez’s Bulls and a schedule that includes practical lessons and performances by various riders and schools across several days. Later dates include top-tier bulls from Fuente Ymbro, Victoriano del Río, and Álvaro Núñez with Morante de la Puebla, Manzanares, and Aguado taking prominent roles. The plan also features Juan Pedro Domecq’s bulls with Morante de la Puebla and others on June 25, and concludes with a notable display of Zacarías Moreno’s wheels on June 26, featuring Borja Ximelis, Santiago Espla, and Borja Escudero in a first-time appearance with picadores.
All Bonfire Fair festivities begin at 19:00 daily. On May 28, tickets for the August 7 extraordinary celebration go on sale online at noon. Season ticket holders from 2019 may access entries on August 7. Ongoing renovations and fertilizer sales for the Bonfire Fair run through late May, with single-entry tickets available starting June 13. The organisers encourage a shared sense of pride in Alicante as the fair approaches, inviting the public to participate and enjoy what promises to be a landmark edition of the event.