Salamanca Gears Up for a Major Event…

Regardless of the outcome, the bullfight scheduled for 14 June in Salamanca is already shaping up to be an unmissable occasion. First of all, because it marks the revival of a date that was once a cornerstone of the bullfighting calendar in the city of the Tormes. And secondly, because it will mark the debut as a full matador of the young torero who has sparked more excitement among local fans than anyone else since his first appearance as a prodigious child in a novice class several seasons ago—when he was just seven years old.

We’re talking about Marco Pérez, the latest example of a child prodigy in the world of bullfighting—a phenomenon that has attracted widespread attention ever since his arrival in what the legendary journalist Cañabate would call “the planet of the bulls.” Having received his alternative during the Pentecost Fair in Nîmes (France), the torero from Ciudad Rodrigo now returns just days later to perform in front of his home crowd—and no less than in a mano a mano with José Antonio Morante de la Puebla.

Pérez could not have chosen a more fitting companion for this journey. Morante is revered in Salamanca, not least for his unforgettable performances in La Glorieta bullring, particularly in 2005 when, dressed in white and silver, he etched his name into local lore with two magical faenas to bulls from the El Pilar ranch.

Since then, the matador from La Puebla del Río has held a special place in the hearts of Salamanca’s aficionados, who have a deep appreciation for elegant, classic bullfighting—but who also demand the highest standards from any torero stepping into their ring. This high bar applies just as strongly to homegrown talent, and Marco Pérez is no exception.

The young matador already debuted in this plaza last year, as a novillero with picadors, sharing the billing with maestro Enrique Ponce. He left a strong impression, with his only setback being his performance with the sword. Now, as a full-fledged matador, he will aim to follow in the footsteps of Salamanca’s legendary figures such as El Viti, El Niño de la Capea, and Julio Robles.

The bulls chosen for this very special event come with full guarantees and belong to three of the most prestigious ranches in the Salamanca region: Puerto de San Lorenzo, Garcigrande, and Hermanos García Jiménez—brands that represent the best of a land steeped in the breeding of fighting bulls.

Salamanca’s bullfighting community is celebrating this revival of the Feast of Saint John of Sahagún, a key date in the city’s calendar. And what better way to mark the occasion than to head to Salamanca, one of Spain’s most beautiful and historic cities, enjoy its exquisite gastronomy, and cap off the day by witnessing a bullfight that, without doubt, will be one of the standout moments of the season.