In September… Palencia Leads the Way

The San Antolín Fair of Palencia opens the bullfighting calendar of Castilla y León every September. A region deeply rooted in this art, it finds in the monumental capital of Palencia the starting point for the taurine month par excellence.

The joint management company, made up of Pueblos del Toreo and Circuitos Taurinos, has perfected its approach to the Campos Góticos arena in recent seasons. Year after year, the presence of the leading figures in bullfighting, alongside the most reliable and successful livestock brands, has become a hallmark of the programme.

In 2025, across three bullfights and one rejoneo spectacle held between 30 August and 2 September, the very best of the bullfighting hierarchy will take centre stage. The combinations are as enticing as they are carefully curated – crafted with alchemy and taste to deliver top-level attractions.

The rejoneo event also deserves special mention. Far from being a filler on the bill, it enjoys a strong following among local fans and has become one of the highlights of the Fair. This year, it takes place on Sunday 31 August, featuring Portuguese bulls from María Guiomar Cortes de Moura for three leading riders: Rui Fernandes, Diego Ventura – the undisputed star of this discipline – and Duarte Fernandes.

The Fair begins a day earlier, on Saturday 30 August, with bulls from La Quinta, who recently achieved a resounding triumph – including an indulto (pardon) – at the Corridas Generales of Bilbao. The enticing line-up is completed by Miguel Ángel Perera, Emilio de Justo and Clemente, all toreros well-acquainted with success against this bloodline.

September in Palencia then kicks off in grand style on Monday 1 September, with bulls from Núñez del Cuvillo for Morante de la Puebla, José María Manzanares and Pablo Aguado. Pure artistry in a stellar line-up – three matadors capable of lifting the crowd from their seats.

Finally, on Tuesday 2 September, the Fair closes with a Goyesque bullfight celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Peña Taurina Palentina: bulls from Juan Manuel Criado for Talavante, Roca Rey and Tomás Rufo.

Could anyone offer more in so little time? Doubt it. As summer draws to a close, your place is in Palencia.