The Home of Spain’s Rising Bullfighting Stars

The 51st edition of the Zapato de Oro Bullfighting Festival in Arnedo once again confirms its status as one of Spain’s longest-established and most prestigious series of novilladas, featuring young bullfighters who are taking their first major steps towards the professional ranks.

Coinciding with the local festivities in honour of San Cosme and San Damián, the town known as the “City of Footwear” becomes, from 27 September to 2 October 2026, a showcase for the future of Spanish bullfighting.

Talking about the Zapato de Oro means delving into the living history of bullfighting and the development of its young talent. Officially established in the 1970s, this award is the oldest of the major prizes that shape the key September and October period for young-bullfighter festivals in Spain.

At a time of year when towns across Spain host important events for young bullfighters — including Algemesí, Arganda del Rey and Villaseca — Arnedo stands out for the consistency of its festival, the demanding nature of its bulls and its traditional format, entirely dedicated to the next generation of bullfighters.

For a young bullfighter, winning the Zapato de Oro is far more than simply taking home a trophy; it can be a major stepping stone towards the top level of the profession.

Performing successfully at Arnedo Arenas means proving yourself in front of a knowledgeable and demanding local audience, a meticulous judging panel and serious, well-developed fighting bulls — the type of bull expected at this bullring.

Some of the most important names in bullfighting history have taken significant steps forward in Arnedo, demonstrating the importance that winning the Zapato de Oro can have for a young bullfighter’s career.

The highlights of the 2026 festival

Promoter Ignacio Ríos S.L., together with the local Bullfighting Council, has put together a well-balanced festival this year, combining the quality and presence of the bulls with the ambition of the young matadors.

Four highly anticipated events will take place, all starting at 5.30 pm:

Sunday 27 September – Los Maños

Young bulls from Los Maños for López Peregrino, Alberto Donaire and Tomás González.

The festival opens with the Aragonese breeding ranch Los Maños, which follows the Santa Coloma bloodline. Its previous appearances in Arnedo have been highly successful, with the ranch having received the award for the best young bull of the festival.

For fans who particularly appreciate the breeding, physical presence and fighting qualities of the bulls, this is an especially interesting opening to the festival.

Monday 28 September – Murteira Grave

Young bulls from Murteira Grave for Mario Vilau, Ruiz de Velasco and Manuel Quintana.

The imposing Portuguese breeding ranch Murteira Grave returns to Arnedo. Its bulls are renowned for their distinctive character and impressive physical presence.

Among the young bullfighters facing them, Mario Vilau heads the line-up after establishing himself as one of the most notable emerging talents of the current season.

Thursday 1 October – El Retamar

Young bulls from El Retamar for Emiliano Osornio, Álvaro Serrano and Manuel Domínguez.

This line-up includes several particularly interesting names for Arnedo.

Emiliano Osornio, the clear winner of the 2025 Zapato de Oro, returns to defend his reputation, alongside Manuel Domínguez, who earned his place after winning the Zapato de Plata competition for young bullfighters without picadors in March.

Friday 2 October – El Montecillo

Young bulls from El Montecillo for Nacho Torrejón, Jorge Hurtado and Samuel Castrejón.

The festival reaches its climax with bulls from the Toledo-based El Montecillo breeding ranch.

The three young bullfighters will have the opportunity to demonstrate their individual styles and fight for the coveted Zapato de Oro title in the final event of the series.

An essential trip for bullfighting fans and curious visitors

Visiting Arnedo during the Zapato de Oro goes far beyond bullfighting. It is an opportunity to experience the festive spirit of La Rioja Baja at one of the liveliest times of the year.

The celebrations of San Cosme and San Damián bring colour to the streets, with local clubs, traditional food and the popular morning releases of young bulls through the town and inside the bullring, creating a unique and welcoming atmosphere.

For committed bullfighting fans, Arnedo is an annual pilgrimage where the integrity and quality of the fighting bull are given particular importance.

For visitors discovering the festival for the first time, it is also the perfect opportunity to explore a town with a strong industrial and artisan identity built around its famous footwear industry.

For one week, Arnedo proudly becomes a meeting point for the next generation of Spanish bullfighting stars — while offering visitors the chance to experience one of Spain’s most traditional and authentic local festivals.