The San Julián Bullfighting Fair: The Champions League of Bullfighting Comes to Cuenca

August, that month when the warmth of summer intertwines with tradition, will once again bring the essence of bullfighting to Cuenca in its purest form. The Cuenca Bullring will become the epicenter of tauromachia, where the elite of bullfighting will gather to compete in their own “Champions League” at the 2024 San Julián Fair. An event that, like every year, transcends the mere act of bullfighting to become a ritual blending history, art, and bravery.

This year’s lineup seems crafted by the gods of bullfighting. Renowned figures, names that echo in every corner of the bullrings and among enthusiasts, will gather for a series of festivities that leave no room for indifference. This is a lineup that pulses to the rhythm of the bull, resonating with the echoes of past triumphs and the promises of future glories.

On Saturday, 24th August, the ring will witness the first great battle. The Santa Coloma bulls from Rehuelga, a breed that has shone in the last two editions, will once again showcase their lineage in a mano a mano between two bullfighters of great skill and bravery: Daniel Luque and Emilio de Justo. Both specialists in this breed will once again seek to prove why they deserve to be at the pinnacle of bullfighting.

On Sunday, 25th August, the arena will be conquered by the knights of rejoneo. Diego Ventura, the top figure in this discipline, will arrive to display his mastery in the ring. Beside him will be Sergio Galán, a native of Cuenca who returns to his homeland after a five-year absence with the firm intention of reclaiming his rightful place. And from France, Lea Vicens, who has earned her place among the greats, will complete this lineup with bulls from the Portuguese ranch of María Guiomar Cortés de Moura.

On Monday, 26th August, the fair will reach one of its climaxes with the presence of the one and only Morante de la Puebla. Art and tradition merge in his figure, creating unforgettable moments with every paseíllo. He will be joined by Juan Ortega, one of the triumphs of the 2024 Seville Fair, and Fernando Adrián, who returns to Cuenca as the victor of last year’s edition, ready to defend his title with bulls from Román Sorando.

Tuesday, 27th August, promises to be an epic day. On the bill, the established José María Manzanares will lead a paseíllo that is a spectacle in itself. Alongside him, the Peruvian Roca Rey, who has taken the most prestigious bullrings by storm this year, will bring his drive and youth. Closing the lineup, Alejandro Talavante, another name shining brightly in the bullfighting firmament, will face bulls from Zacarías Moreno and Daniel Ruiz.

Finally, on Wednesday, 28th August, the ring will be the stage for a trio of aces. Sebastián Castella, with his sober elegance; El Fandi, who has won the hearts of Cuenca; and Miguel Ángel Perera, whose name is associated with great performances in this arena, will be responsible for closing this “Champions League” of bullfighting with bulls from La Palmosilla.

Thus, the San Julián Fair 2024 presents itself as a compendium of talent, courage, and tradition. Cuenca, a city that holds centuries of history in its core, will once again bear witness to the greatness of bullfighting. Because, in these August afternoons, it is not only bulls that are fought, but man faces his destiny in a dance where art and death intertwine in an eternal embrace.