Jaén: A Grand Charity Festival in Support of Chiva with Ponce Leading the Lineup

Chiva, one of the towns hit hardest by the DANA (a type of severe Mediterranean storm) that devastated eastern Spain last autumn, holds a special place in the heart of matador Enrique Ponce, who proudly represents his hometown in the taurine world. Although retired, the maestro from Valencia has been actively involved in helping the victims of this catastrophe.

On 2nd March, Jaén—Ponce’s adopted home—will host a charity festival, with all proceeds going towards rebuilding his beloved hometown. Organised by Tauroemoción, under the direction of Alberto García, the event features an extraordinary lineup, making it an unmissable occasion for all enthusiasts.

The festival opens with rejoneador (horse-mounted bullfighter) Diego Ventura, the top figure in this art form, bringing an equestrian touch to the event. Following Ventura, the maestro Enrique Ponce himself will take the stage, leading the way for figures like Alejandro Talavante, one of the current top names in the taurine world, and Emilio de Justo, a matador with an exceptional track record in recent years, celebrated for his victories in major arenas like Madrid, Seville, Málaga, and the south of France.

The future of bullfighting also takes centre stage, with Marcos Linares, a young matador barely a year into his professional career, showcasing his remarkable talent and strategic skills with the cape and muleta (the red cloth used in bullfighting).

Representing the novilleros (young bullfighters who have not yet taken the alternativa, the ceremony marking their transition to full matador status), the festival features Olga Casado, a standout student from Madrid’s José Cubero Yiyo School of Bullfighting, who recently made headlines performing alongside established stars at Vistalegre Palace. She is set to make her debut with horses in Olivenza. Sharing the spotlight is Alfonso Morales, trained at Jaén’s own Cultural School of Bullfighting and recognised as one of the province’s brightest hopes.

The bulls, generously donated by their breeders, come from prestigious ganaderías (breeding farms): Guiomar Cortés de Moura, Guadalmena, Cuevas Bajas, Fermín Bohórquez, Moreno Pérez Tabernero, and Rocío de la Cámara. Each promises to contribute to a memorable event where artistic success and charitable fundraising go hand in hand.

This festival is more than a spectacle—it’s a demonstration of solidarity, hope, and the unyielding spirit of the taurine world. Don’t miss the opportunity to support a noble cause while enjoying an extraordinary event in Jaén.