Once again, Illescas presents an unmissable offer at the start of the season. A top-class rejones event and a major bullfight, featuring proven stars in both disciplines alongside bullfighters with the talent and momentum to become leading figures. Two shows you won’t want to miss once you see the line-ups. See for yourself!
It was the slogan of a very well-known dairy brand, a leader in its sector, made famous by television adverts in the 1980s. Businessman Maximino Pérez seems to have adopted it as the guiding principle for the Feria del Milagro, which he launched in Illescas more than a decade ago and which is now firmly established on the bullfighting calendar.
The phrase “quality is our reason for being” fits perfectly when you look at the line-ups of this series, which every March kick-starts the season in Castilla-La Mancha in general and in the province of Toledo in particular. Two events—a bullfight and a rejones (mounted bullfighting) event—always feature strong, carefully curated line-ups, with fresh attractions that appeal to and attract all kinds of audiences.
In 2026, the bullfight, scheduled for Saturday 14 March, is led by José María Manzanares, a matador who is both highly media-friendly and deeply respected by purists. His popularity goes beyond the bullfighting world, yet his style and career are firmly rooted in tradition and command great respect. For this reason, he has become a regular and much-anticipated presence at this festival.
Also on the bill is Juan Ortega, the creator of some of the finest performances of last season. A bullfighter who places purity at the heart of his art, guided by feeling and rhythm in his interpretation, Ortega has a loyal following. Fans always expect the very best from him, because when he truly connects with a bull—wherever he may be fighting—it becomes an unforgettable experience for everyone present.
Completing the line-up is the young Víctor Hernández, one of the standout revelations of the previous season and a firm commitment by the organisers to a bullfighter who made a powerful impression during San Isidro and confirmed his promise at the Autumn Festival, despite suffering an injury. His inclusion brings freshness and excitement to the afternoon and positions him as a likely protagonist of the season ahead.
The bulls come from two renowned breeders known for their class and quality: Domingo Hernández and Román Sorando, providing the artists with the ideal raw material to inspire their performances. One week earlier, on Sunday 8 March—since this year the festival is spread over two weekends—the rejones event takes place, also featuring top-quality stock: the famous “Murube” bulls from the stud of the master breeder Capea.
With Diego Ventura once again as the central figure of the show, thanks to his status as the leading name in mounted bullfighting and the rejoneador who draws the largest crowds, including many young fans, the bill is completed by two other major figures: Andy Cartagena and the Portuguese rider Rui Fernandes. Together they shape one of the classic events of the equestrian bullfighting season, which every year brings together the elite of this art form in the modern, fully covered arena of Illescas.
Jose Miguel Arruego
Bullfighting Journalist
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