Written by BLANCA Rios Montes• 10 June, 2025• 13:53• Bullfighting poster, José Miguel Arruego

Marbella and the Fortes Effect

HomeBullfighting poster, José Miguel ArruegoMarbella and the Fortes Effect

The posters for Marbella, which already had their own prestige and presence, have gained even more attention and impact thanks to Fortes’ performance at San Isidro. In line-ups filled with top figures, the Málaga-born matador has become the biggest draw for his fellow townspeople and one of the most sought-after names for aficionados.

Plaza de toros de Marbella - 14 junio San Bernabé

Jiménez Fortes in Marbella for San Bernabe

Without a doubt, he is the sensation of this year’s San Isidro. His performance on 21 May, facing bulls from Arauz de Robles, confirmed—and even amplified—the excitement surrounding him after his recent evenings at La Malagueta: one in August and the more recent one on Holy Saturday. On both occasions, he triumphed with bulls that were sent back to the ring in honour, one from Cuvillo and another from Álvaro Núñez. The resonance of his performances extended far beyond his usual sphere of influence.

Discussions, media coverage across all formats, but especially the videos of each event, which multiplied in views on tablets and smartphones, proved that what happened in Málaga was not just a local success. Indeed, many respected commentators and aficionados deemed his August Fair performance as the most significant event of the 2025 season.

However, despite this success, event organisers remained rather sceptical. Nevertheless, his performance earned him a spot once again at Las Ventas and the San Isidro Fair after several years of absence. In the same arena where Fortes once nearly lost his life during previous San Isidro festivals, he has now returned to the spotlight—this time with a resounding triumph that not only reaffirmed his standing in Málaga but elevated his reputation and significance even further.

What happened in Madrid did not come against two extraordinary bulls but rather against two particularly challenging specimens, requiring immense resolve, awareness, and, above all, confidence in what one intends to do and achieve. Fortes rose to the occasion, displaying remarkable composure, using his courage not for show but as a means to his ultimate goal: to perform slow, languid, and pure bullfighting against two bulls whose nature suggested he should do the opposite.

Now, bearing the reputation of a top-tier torero, Fortes is set to return to circuit fairs such as Santander and Pamplona. But first, he heads home—to Marbella—appearing on an illustrious billing alongside Manzanares and Talavante. A line-up befitting the rank he has earned in the bullring.

The event is scheduled for 14 June, in celebration of the San Bernabé festivities in the capital of the Costa del Sol. Six bulls from El Freixo, owned by El Juli, await them. Everything is set for the occasion to be truly special, particularly as the arena’s management has had the fine taste to honour the 75th anniversary of Aparicio and Litri’s alternative—the two iconic figures whose rivalry as novilleros made history in bullfighting. Yet another reason to head to Málaga, enjoy the Mediterranean breeze, and revel in the spectacle. Could there be a better plan?

Information on ticket sales Marbella:

Tickets on the servitoro.com website or by calling +34 96 330 85 93 from Monday to Friday from 9am to 6:30pm, or on the WhastApp +34 647 66 93 71.