Ávila: A Star-Studded Contest

Tauroemoción has landed in the Ávila bullring with a clear mission: to revitalise a venue that has long struggled to draw in crowds. Whether due to a lack of consistent scheduling or the challenge of aligning with the city’s main festivity — October 15th, the Feast of Saint Teresa, a date hardly ideal for bullfighting with winter looming — none of the previous managerial projects managed to take root.

Now, Alberto García’s team is taking a bold approach: offering a compelling card enhanced by the format of a corrida concurso — a bullfight in which each bull represents a different breeding line and competes for honours. This format appeals to all audiences: die-hard aficionados, those drawn to the bulls themselves, fans who travel to support their favourite matadors, and of course, the local and regional public, who certainly do turn out when the occasion is worth it.

The date set for this pivotal event is Saturday, 31 May 2025. As for the bulls, they come from six different and highly respected bloodlines: El Capea (Murube), Vellosino (Guateles), El Torero (Salvador Domecq), Garcigrande (Juan Pedro Domecq), José Enrique Fraile de Valdefresno (Lisardo–Atanasio) and Valdellán (Santa Coloma–Alipio Pérez Tabernero) — a veritable showcase of Spain’s finest livestock genetics.

The matador line-up is no less impressive. First, the incomparable Morante de la Puebla, widely regarded as the most original and charismatic artist of the 21st century. After a period of serious health issues, he has returned in spectacular form, with a dazzling performance at the Seville April Fair. His faena on 1 May in La Maestranza — particularly his one-handed verónicas — is already being hailed as one of the most memorable moments of his career.

Next on the bill is Emilio de Justo, a torero of refined style and great composure, admired for his classical taste and willingness to face the most demanding bulls. Beloved by connoisseurs, his track record speaks for itself, with continued triumphs in Madrid, Seville, Málaga and across southwest France.

Closing the line-up is Ávila’s own Sergio Rodríguez, arguably the most promising local matador in recent decades. A serious and grounded torero, his style is rooted in precision and purity. After turning heads on the novice circuit with several standout performances, he now embarks on his career as a fully-fledged matador, hoping to affirm his style and earn a place among the top-tier festivals.

With this corrida concurso, Ávila launches a new era of bullfighting — and this could well be the first step in a revitalised tradition for the city of the Walls. Its privileged location, just a short distance from Madrid and well-connected to the surrounding region, makes it the perfect destination for a memorable day out in the heart of Castile.