The 2022 San Juan fair opened with a rejones celebration that rode on unusually warm weather, setting a vibrant mood for the week ahead. In the latest bullfights, planners considered placing burgundy skirts before the second volley as a strategic touch. A prudent adjustment was recognized, and these skirts were unveiled just yesterday so they would not obstruct the view for attendees entering the arena. Pride in national symbols deserves careful handling, and the display of the flag—set against tones of reddish-brown fabrics that bring a sense of calm—echoed a respectful, unifying atmosphere. To address any taste concerns, two depictions of the Holy Face appeared, positioned near the buffets and close to the Presidency area. The audience responded with a serious, collective focus on the bulls, signaling a shared tradition and community in this collective spectacle. good good…
Start on the shoulders of Hermoso de Mendoza and Andy Cartagena in the first bullfight of the fair. | MATHIAS SEGARRA
This year, as the country marks the 25th anniversary of alternative horse riding, the fair opened with a bold staging in a magnificent arena, highlighting the skill of rejoneador Andy Cartagena. The early rounds yielded two ears for generosity, though some voices noted translation gaps and a softer fervor among spectators. Bohórquez’s horned nobleman received a precise rejonazo, and Sparrow met a sharp end with a well-placed spear, finishing fourth in the lineup with a strong showing. Cartagena, renowned for a mother-of-pearl mount and a wind-swept mane, demonstrated finesse in three delicate banderillas and sealed the moment with two graceful flippers. He earned third place guiding Cupid, who moved with purpose along the line. A two-handed pass with accuracy and a tip removed on Jinocente impressed the crowd. Picasso was greeted with a back shot that proved highly effective, earning two ears and a tail request. In contrast, the first-round prize seemed oversized to many observers. Bohórquez’s foreman joined the triumphant return of the Ring for a final bow.
Hermoso de Mendoza delivered a standout moment, cutting off both ears of the sixth bull, a testament to rhythm, timing, and control under pressure.
Before Lea Vicens, the mood leaned toward resilience rather than outright triumph. Even so, the crowd would have witnessed a remarkable moment were it not for a puncture, a back-hand blow, and a sequence of three essences. A round of applause followed the greeting, and the mood shifted toward appreciation for the artistry. Fifth, a skilled collaborator met him on Guitar with two strokes. Some missteps with Diluvio gave way to a few strong passes before over-adjusting. In Aladín, the misfits returned, and with Jazmín, two shorter passes hit their mark. A cucumber was playfully used in a way that drew curious glances. Absolute focus. Ear.
Guillermo Hermoso de Mendoza’s first fight did not make major history either. He concluded with a hole, a rejonazo, and two scalps. Silence settled over the arena. With Martincho, he took the sixth round with a single spear. In Illusion he delivered banderillas with a touch of dissonance and a notable elegance. Some efforts unfolded unevenly, but the sequence built toward a dramatic two-handed pairing and an effective death rejonazo, culminating in a double trophy moment and a sense of intensity in the finale.
Note: The rewrite preserves the original structure while updating language for clarity and flow. The narrative presents the fair as a living event with performances, staging choices, and crowd reactions, keeping a 3rd person perspective throughout while aligning with contemporary sensibilities and terminology.