Valencia’s Manzanares and Morante de la Puebla return to the spotlight as the Benidorm fair marks its 25th anniversary with a lineup that reaffirms Alicante’s bullfighting appeal. The Hogueras festivities include a major August 7 date featuring José Tomás, a figure whose presence consistently drives excitement and crowd turnout in the Alicante arena. The event promises a vibrant mix of rejoneo and corrida, drawing attention from aficionados across Spain and beyond.
José Tomás returns to Alicante Bullring
The official posters were unveiled this morning by the city’s leaders, with Mayor Luis Barcala presiding alongside the head of the Plaza de Toros, Mari Carmen from Spain, and arena entrepreneur Nacho Lloret. The Blue Hall was filled with representatives of the bullfighting world who together champion the fair as a city-wide celebration that reflects the culture and business of Alicante. The event is presented as more than a spectacle; it is framed as a catalyst for the city’s economy and social life, coordinated by David Caballero, a key bullring manager, with leadership from Tony Cabot, director of the Bilbao Club.
The cycle opens with a rejones show on June 19 and closes with a corridas with picadores on Sunday, June 26. The program serves as a tribute to Manzanares for the 50th anniversary of his professional debut, with performances scheduled in the afternoons that showcase his lineage and influence. On June 23, El Fandi and Roca Rey will be featured alongside Manzanares and his son; on June 24 the fair’s center will host Morante de la Puebla and Pablo Aguado in a high-profile afternoon session.
On June 25, Morante will be paired with a select shortlist including Alejandro Talavante and Tomas Rufo for the opening bullfight, with rejoneos featuring Andy Cartagena, Lea Vicens, and Hermoso de Mendoza. June 26 will bring a traditional novillada picada with a group of young toreros such as Borja Ximelis, Santiago Espla, and Borja Escudero, marking an important moment in the season for emerging talents.
Speaking about the programming, Lloret described the plan as a complete calendar that celebrates a global icon like José Tomás. He noted that the Madrid-based bullfighter selected Alicante for a run that echoes his affinity for the city and the support of its fans. The goal is to mobilize the entire community and generate a strong economic impact through a show that matches the city’s pride in its bullfighting tradition.
Lloret also explained that the contract structure aims to involve the city as a whole while maintaining the show’s quality. He argued against models where top prices or exclusive venues eclipse the overall experience, insisting that a fair should be accessible and authentic, offering true value for spectators and supporters alike. The Alicante fair specification includes provisions designed to foster an extraordinary celebration with José Tomás this year.
date
The mayor of Alicante, Louis Barcala, called the event historical after two challenging years, emphasizing that the fair faced difficult circumstances but rose to meet them. He expressed confidence that the upcoming edition would fill venues across the city and deliver a memorable experience for all attendees. The Alicante Bullfighting School, led by Francisco José Palazón, was highlighted as a symbol of the city’s ongoing commitment to training and showcasing new talent in the sport.
The city’s leadership praised the producers and participants for the professional and financial effort required to stage a week of events, stressing that the fair can harness the momentum of this moment in the calendar to benefit the local economy and cultural life. The mayor urged the community to enjoy what is planned, noting that the city deserves this celebration and the opportunities it brings.
He added a light-hearted aside about ticket demand, joking with the public that he would not be handing out tickets but ensuring the experience lives up to expectations.
The Espla banner, a prominent feature of the season’s visual identity, was praised by Lloret for highlighting the artistry of Alicante’s bullfighting community. The banner is described as a symbolic centerpiece that blends local identity with the sport’s traditional craft, capturing a spirit of optimism and light for the year ahead.
Mayor Barcala echoed that sentiment, noting that the poster signals something distinctive for the fair. It represents bullfighting in its raw form while celebrating Alicante’s unique character—a poster that will generate talk and interest among fans and visitors alike.
place of responsibility
Toni Cabot spoke of Alicante’s bullring as a place of responsibility. He highlighted the work of two young entrepreneurs, David Caballero and Nacho Lloret, in organizing a show that looks to surpass previous editions. He described the fair as a pinnacle moment that could elevate the city’s reputation and attract even more visitors, feeding local commerce and hospitality sectors through a week of events centered on bullfighting tradition.
The journalist quoted him as saying that responsible management can place the city on the map for bullfighting, adding a new star to Alicante’s city profile and helping generate wealth through sustained tourism and cultural activity.
United Podem-EUPV, against
Meanwhile, the municipal group Unides Podem-EUPV signaled opposition to certain aspects of the fair’s programming. They argued that the spectacle of animal suffering should be reassessed in a modern city and proposed that the Plaza de Toros transition to municipal administration, with cultural and social activities repurposed to fit a broader audience while reducing animal-focused entertainment. Their stance reflects a wider debate about the role of bullfighting in urban life and the responsibilities of city leadership in cultural events.
posters
June 19: The Bulls of Fermin Bohórquez with Andy Cartagena, Lea Vicens, Guillermo Hermoso de Mendoza
June 20: Practical lesson. Steering wheels by Aida Jovani. Cid de María (Guadalajara Bullfighting School), Daniel Encinas (Alicante), Roberto Martín (Zaragoza), Alejandro Troya (Alicante), Joaquín García (Alicante), Javier Cuartero (Alicante)
June 21: Practical lesson. Steering wheels from El Parralejo. Ángel Delgado (Úbeda), Nek Romero (Valencia), Ángelín (Alicante), Javier Poley (Huesca), Kevin Alcolado (Alicante), Miguel Losana (Toledo)
June 22: Bulls of Fuente Ymbro. Antonio Ferrera, Miguel Ángel Perera, Ginés Marín
June 23: Victoriano del Río-Taurus de Cortés bulls. El Fandi, Jose Mari Manzanares, Roca Rey
June 24: Bulls of Álvaro Núñez. Morante de la Puebla, Jose Mari Manzanares, Pablo Aguado
June 25: Bulls of Juan Pedro Domecq. Morante de la Puebla, Alejandro Talavante, Tomas Rufo
June 26: Wheels by Zacarías Moreno. Borja Ximelis, Santiago Espla, Borja Escudero (first time with picadores)
August 7. Four bulls from different farms. Jose Tomás. Extraordinary Run (Off-season ticket).
All Bonfire Fair events begin at 19:00. In August, admission to practice classes is free. Tickets for the August 7 extraordinary celebration go on sale online at noon on May 28.06. 2019 season ticket holders will be accommodated on August 7.