Our Lady of Begoña Bullfighting Fair, Gijón 2024
Despite the shadows that have persistently loomed over your roof in recent times, El Bibio endures. It endures, proudly boasting of its past and facing the future with optimism. Because it knows it is backed by the administration and by a company that, after a quarter of a century, knows perfectly well the tastes and weaknesses of the Asturian fans.
El Bibio is a model bullring. Well cared for and meticulously prepared every August, the bull emerges from its pens in perfect form and shape. Therefore, it is no coincidence that every year, some of the best performances of the season take place in the centenary Asturian arena.
The fans who occupy its seats are equally exemplary. Gijón is one of the cities with the most registered Bullfighting Clubs, very active in the winter months as well, and their members make their presence felt at every event, both with their banners and their always respectful behavior, always also in pursuit of the spectacle.
The rest of the spectators who come to the neo-Mudejar building located on the Villaviciosa road come from neighboring provinces, both from the northern area and from old Castile, and contribute rigor and knowledge to the mix of spectators. Everyone comes every August to witness a fair, the Begoña Fair, which always (and this is the merit of the businessman) has a narrative thread.
In 2024, the four posters that make up the subscription condense the main figures from all ranks. The series opens on Thursday, August 15 with the rejoneador Diego Ventura, the top figure in this art, while on Friday, August 16, Manuel Román and Marco Pérez, two of the most solid promises of current novillería, face off mano a mano.
As for the matadors, the menu is succulent, with a “duel” between Talavante and Luque on the first day, a truly artistic lineup that brings together Morante, Manzanares, and Juan Ortega on Saturday, August 17, and another combination with real “pull” for Enrique Ponce’s farewell in this land. The Valencian master will be accompanied by Roca Rey and Ginés Marín.
Another point to highlight is the variety of bloodlines: up to four different origins in as many combinations. In addition to the “Domecqs” from Cuvillo and El Freixo (these in the novillada), “murubes” from Los Espartales, “santacolomas” from La Quinta, and bulls from El Puerto and La Ventana will parade through El Bibio, which, although with Domecq blood, still retain the “Lisardo – Atanasio” base of their origin. Another incentive for an unbeatable fair, as the advertising poster proclaims. Never has a slogan been so aptly put.
Upcoming bullfighting events
Consult the calendar of bullfights in Spain: Seville, Valencia, Madrid… more than 150 bullrings and bullfighting shows.
