For years now, the Spring Bullfight of Brihuega has been far more than just another bullfighting event. It has become perhaps the most significant social gathering of the season in Guadalajara province. In this charming town, known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning lavender fields, the crème de la crème of local and regional society gathers to witness the performances of the three top bullfighters chosen for the occasion.
As expected, in 2025 the lineup, organised by the company Funtausa, features three of the biggest names in bullfighting. These three masters—described as “aces” in the poster promoting the event—are no strangers to the beautiful La Muralla bullring: Morante de la Puebla, Sebastián Castella, and José María Manzanares, who will face bulls from the García Jiménez brothers’ ranch. A lineup that promises nothing but excellence.
The event will take place on Saturday, 12th April, at 5:30 PM, but the festivities start much earlier. From the morning, locals and visitors alike begin to embrace the spirit of the day. Brihuega’s narrow, cobbled streets come alive with crowds, especially young people gathering around the town’s bars. Restaurants quickly reach full capacity as no one wants to miss out on the celebrations, both before and after the bullfight.
Few places offer a more enjoyable prelude to a bullfight than Brihuega. Visitors can indulge in sightseeing, with highlights including three churches dating back to the 13th century, enjoy drinks and appetisers outdoors, or simply stroll through the winding streets near the remnants of the town’s medieval walls and castle, which are adjacent to the heart of this special day: the La Muralla bullring.
Additionally, this 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of the bullring’s inauguration, which took place on 12th June 1965. On that historic day, legendary bullfighters Paco Camino, Andrés Hernando, and Manuel Benítez “El Cordobés” took to the arena to face bulls from Manuel Camacho’s ranch. The event filled all 8,000 seats of this remarkable venue.
In subsequent years, the presence of top figures dwindled until 1999, when Maximino Pérez took over the management of the bullring and organised the first Spring Bullfight. Since then, icons such as Joselito, Enrique Ponce, José Tomás, El Juli, and Francisco Rivera Ordóñez have regularly performed at this event. It has become a prime example of effective promotion and management, inspiring other companies that later took the reins to ensure this event thrives over a quarter of a century later.
There must be a reason why this event continues to flourish with such vitality. Come to Brihuega this April and see for yourself!
José Miguel Arruego
Bullfighting Journalist
