Bullfighting emerges as a central thread for regional cohesion, weaving together the Valencian Community’s history, culture, and tradition. This weekend Alicante hosts a competition that brings together bullfighting schools from three provinces, with Alicante acting as host and Valencia and Castellón as invited guests, underscoring the sport’s role in shared identity across the region.
The event is a meeting organized by the Alicante Town Hall in collaboration with the coordination team led by Mari Carmen from Spain responsible for city governance, the Diputación de Valencia, and Castellón Bullfighting, with the coordination of the Alicante company led by Nacho Lloret. Two stud farms, Juan Pedro Domecq and Antonio López Gibaja, were selected for this regional gathering, chosen to align with the Valencia bullring for the occasion.
Juan Pedro Domecq’s lineage and influence were evident as the competition unfolded. The street banner of Alicante featured the bullfighter José Maria Manzanares, whose father supported the contest named after his mentor. The atmosphere was lively and diverse, with Angelín drawing applause for his effort. The performance showed firmness, a solid right-hand approach, and a warm but subtly tense engagement with the arena, all within a display of a lively, vigorous bull stock.
Kevin Alcoholado delivered a measured, heartfelt capote performance and earned reward with two ears. The act opened with a quiet, steady approach to the arena, followed by swift movements with capes and a spiral, capturing the crowd’s attention. Alcoholado exhibited restraint, pacing his tempo and distance, and allowed the bull to respond to his rhythm. He demonstrated tasteful technique, positive temperament, and a clear sense of personal style, drawing applause as he left with an earned ear for his efforts.
Javier Aparicio, the goalkeeper, also earned two ears for a dramatic display that culminated in a strong final push. The chestnut horse, though not as virtuosic as some siblings, was part of an intense cierre that highlighted Aparicio’s resolve and strategic bravery, turning potential limitations into a memorable performance marked by merit and endurance.
Valencia’s Borja Navarro produced a two-ear result, maintaining composure and confidence as he engaged with José Mari. On the third pass, Navarro found the right balance to maneuver his movements, delivering the bull a measured breach of the arena and showing calm, controlled leadership. His approach was marked by intent and a natural, fluid presence that allowed him to navigate the ring with poise and conviction, reinforcing the idea that ambition can be a guiding force even for younger toreros.
Marco Polo demonstrated strong technique, steering the cloak with precision and expressing a refined concept, followed by a spectacular execution in the muletazos. The crowd observed with interest as some shopkeepers appeared to maintain a measured distance, perhaps analyzing the rhythm and timing. The rival, equally celebrated, offered a luxurious collaboration with a noble, buoyant tempo that elevated the overall rhythm of the square and highlighted the event as a showcase of regional talent and collaboration.
Abel Rodríguez received warm applause after his announcement, but his attempt to lift the bull mid-air did not fully connect, leaving the square with a subdued finish. Beyond the brief chronicle of moments, the demonstration stood as a testament to the resilience and ongoing relevance of the bullring as a symbol of regional autonomy and cultural expression.