Almería: The Most Unique Fair in Andalusia

Almería offers aficionados the taste of fine bullfighting but without the often excessive severity found in other arenas where purism sometimes stifles the spectacle. Here, what matters first and foremost is the bull itself: its build, its presence, its charge—never failing. This allows fans to enjoy quality bullfighting at a point in the season when fatigue sets in, and it offers matadors the chance to relax and relish their profession without the tension and pressure they face elsewhere.

In August, Almería becomes something of a balm—for bullfighters and spectators alike. The audience is receptive, always supportive of the spectacle, and it has a long-standing custom: to salute the matadors after the opening parade, without fail. “We are with you,” they seem to say, offering encouragement before the first bull even appears through the gate.

Halfway through the event, the crowd makes a pause for a traditional mid-show snack—a habit typical of certain areas of La Mancha, such as Albacete or Cuenca, or Mediterranean arenas like Alicante or Murcia. Fans bring food and coolers to the Almería bullring—a true architectural gem—which also helps to ease the summer heat.

The Feria de la Virgen del Mar was once longer than the programme enjoyed today, but the company Lances de Futuro has begun restructuring the fair by presenting two strong line-ups. Their aim is to regain the confidence of both locals and visitors and gradually extend the programme, always without compromising on quality.

This year, the programme opens on Wednesday 27 August with a novillada featuring young bulls from López Gibaja. Almería has always been a land of opportunities for novilleros, giving promising talents the chance to shine in the Avenida de Vilches arena. On this occasion, Sergio Sánchez from Extremadura, a skilled and capable young bullfighter, and Julio Norte, from Salamanca, who carries the high hopes of his countrymen, will take part. Completing the bill is Blas Márquez, a local Almería novillero without picadors, who will fight two calves from Macandro, adding a local accent to the fair.

On Thursday 28 August, the first corrida de toros brings together three bulls from El Parralejo and three from Álvaro Núñez. The line-up features Morante de la Puebla, a true figure of the age; Juan Ortega, another celebrated artist in top form; and Fortes, from Málaga, a bullfighter of strong personality and distinct style, who has given memorable performances in La Malagueta and stood out at the last San Isidro fair.

On Friday 29 August, with a bullfight from El Pilar, the poster features Talavante, triumphant at the most recent San Isidro, alongside Pablo Aguado, renowned for the refinement of his style. Completing the card is Diego Ventura, today’s leading rejoneador (horseback bullfighter), who adds the perfect contrast to the evening.

With such quality line-ups and the unique atmosphere that defines it, the Almería fair fights with solid and convincing arguments to reclaim the place it has always deserved—by right.