Colmenar: A Grand Fair in Memory of Yiyo

The Feria de los Remedios in Colmenar Viejo has, for several years now, been considered the finest subscription fair in the whole Community of Madrid. With three bullfights and one novillada with picadors, it gathers—between the end of August and the beginning of September—the very best of the senior ranks, alongside the most sought-after matadors in Madrid.

Let us not forget that this arena, traditionally of a torista spirit, draws not only from local aficionados but also, quite logically, from those who attend the bullring of Las Ventas throughout the season. As such, the Plaza de La Corredera boasts a loyal, discerning, and demanding audience, much in the image of the Madrid crowd.

This is well understood by the company Circuitos Taurinos and its director, Carlos Zúñiga, who manages the destiny of the ring. That is why, from Saturday 30 August to Wednesday 3 September, the programme reflects the tastes of both Colmenar and Madrid’s aficionados—who, in many cases, are one and the same.

The subscription opens on Saturday 30 August with a corrida from Rehuelga, a bastion of the Santa Coloma – Buendía bloodline, for Antonio Ferrera and Morenito de Aranda—two matadors highly esteemed in Madrid and renowned specialists in this encaste—together with Miguel de Pablo, a local torero and the triumphator of last year’s cycle.

On Sunday 31 August, a novillada from Brazuelas will feature El Mene and Julio Méndez, two of this season’s leading novilleros, alongside David López, a native of Colmenar who has enjoyed several years of triumphs in his home ring and who recently made a successful debut at Las Ventas.

Monday 1 September brings together three names who collectively hold an astonishing 26 Puertas Grandes at Las Ventas. No small feat. Rejoneador Diego Ventura (19), Emilio de Justo (4), and Borja Jiménez (3)—all highly popular in Madrid—will face bulls from Guiomar Cortés de Moura for the mounted contest, and from Guadaira for the fight on foot.

Tuesday 2 September marks the highlight of the fair: a corrida from Conde de Mayalde, a breeding that has already triumphed in this arena in previous editions, for Morante de la Puebla, José María Manzanares, and Juan Ortega. An exceptional card to crown the cycle—together with the novillada without picadors scheduled for the following day—with all the strength and character that this plaza demands. Undoubtedly, the finest tribute to Yiyo on the 40th anniversary of his passing.