Arnedo: The North Opens the 2026 Season in Style

The San José bullfight in Arnedo has not only established itself as one of the most traditional events of the year and a must-attend date for local fans, but, under the management of promoter Ignacio Ríos, it has also become, year after year, the first major bullfighting fixture of the season in Northern Spain.

This town in La Rioja, well known for its footwear industry, has the honour of opening the bullfighting calendar every March. It does so with a top-quality line-up which, built around local star Diego Urdiales — a leading figure with a loyal following — attracts some of the most important matadors of the moment, further enhancing the prestige of the event.

The Arnedo Arena, a modern, comfortable and functional multi-purpose venue with an excellent covered roof — ideal for the unpredictable weather at this time of year — has hosted major names such as José Tomás, Morante de la Puebla, Alejandro Talavante, Juan Ortega and Pablo Aguado. All of them have contributed to increasing the importance and reputation of this bullfight year after year.

First and foremost, the presence of Diego Urdiales brings tradition and distinction. His classical style and personal interpretation of bullfighting have earned him a large fan base, particularly in this region — his hometown of Arnedo and the surrounding area — where supporters have followed his journey from his early days to appearances at all the major bullfighting festivals across Spain.

This year’s event also features the added attraction of José María Manzanares making his debut in Arnedo. More than just a leading matador, Manzanares is an emblem and a global brand within bullfighting. Over more than 25 years as a matador, he has triumphed in the world’s most important bullrings, especially at Seville’s Maestranza, where he is undoubtedly one of the most admired toreros of recent times.