2024-08-24 20:09:44
Surprised that Bilbao returned to its usual half capacity, with little audience, featuring the farewell of Hermoso de Mendoza, the debut of Juan Ortega, and Urdiales, a bullfighter from Bilbao. The absence of the so-called crowd allowed fans to enjoy greatly and even be mesmerized by the bullfighting of Juan Ortega, hailed as a messiah of the art and so missed for years, who conquered Bilbao with what two deserving bulls allowed him to do. With a bullfighting style that captivated the audience. Urdiales, who had to pay for four bulls due to injuries to two of them, faced a sixth bull or one impossible without breed and temperament. Hermoso de Mendoza walked out on shoulders in recognition of a remarkable performance and an impeccable career.
Courtesy compels us to start with the master of a flawless history in Bilbao, nervous with the noble first bull and much better with the fourth. There, the Navarrese left that bullfighting style typical of the outskirts and brought in from the boards, good two-track bullfighting, beautiful movements and pirouettes that so many times made El Bocho vibrate. A clean, serene, and elegant performance that translated into two ears after a slightly low rejón. Two ears that rewarded a career very much connected to Bilbao.
Making his debut in Vista Alegre, Juan Ortega is a bullfighter who is destined to become a bullfighter in Bilbao. He did this with a third bull that came to him from the inside in the initial cape work, and that took the cape of Ortega from the outside with good condition. Highly anticipated by the fans, he began the performance with muletazos with a bent leg, showcasing great bullfighting skill. He worked on the right horn, spelling out a slow and harmonious bullfighting style that lacked connection due to the bull’s lack of breed. Despite this, he continued the performance on that horn, leaving traces of high quality and some slow muletazos before an enthusiastic audience that cheered even the muletazo that stumbled due to the bull’s ugly conclusion. After the thrust and a blow of descabello, he paraded an ear.
A washed-faced, fine bull who was protested upon leaving was the sixth of the afternoon, which Ortega beautifully executed verónicas with. He allowed himself to be hit on the horse before a handsome escape by chicuelinas. In the midst of an intense wait, Ortega offered the bull to the public. He opened his performance with two-handed efforts and a low style of bullfighting in which the bull seemed to suffer. Closed and parallel, he took on the right horn, in a compendium where the bull and muleta did not meet, so he took it to the third to fight with better tune. Naturally, he fought it one at a time, giving the impression that further out the bull would weigh less. He finished the performance bringing it to the third for a final series of category naturals with the public captivated. After the thrust and two descabellos, he received an ovation.
Urdiales returned to Bilbao after five years of absence in one of his talisman spots. And he did so with the lot of least options. Three bulls had to come out for the Riojan to be able to perform for the first time, since the designated bull got disoriented upon leaving, and the first substitute broke its left front leg when bullfighting in the verónicas. The second substitute from Valdefresno did not respond to Urdiales‘ cape upon leaving. It showed some temperament and nobility during the third act, although it already marked some inclination towards the inside. He offered the bull to the audience and took it to the third in the beginning of the performance where the bull seemed to suffer and closed up. He gave all the advantages in distance, heights, and placement, but the bull broke down. The same unfortunate fate befell him with the fifth, a meek and violent bull that was protested upon leaving, and after trying he had to shorten.
Event Details:
Bullring of Bilbao, Basque Country. Seventh event of the General Bullfights of Bilbao 2024. Bulls from San Pelayo (1st and 4th), El Puerto de San Lorenzo (5th), La Ventana del Puerto and Valdefresno (2nd substitute), with uneven presence and varied play. The first, classy but diminished; the second substitute, broken; the third, classy but lacking breed and breaking down at the end; the fourth, with good presence and class and endurance; the fifth, meek and violent; the sixth, noble but diminished in the muleta.
• PABLO HERMOSO DE MENDOZA, silence and two ears.
• DIEGO URDIALES, silence and silence after warning.
• JUAN ORTEGA, ear and ovation.
Incidents: Before starting the paseíllo, Pablo Hermoso de Mendoza was honored with the traditional Basque dance Aurresku de honor.
Future Trends in Bullfighting: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
The recent bullfighting event in Bilbao brought forth a unique blend of tradition, nostalgia, and emerging talents that could shape the future of this culturally rich spectacle. With the farewell of renowned matador Pablo Hermoso de Mendoza, who showcased an elegant performance, and the debut of fresh talent Juan Ortega, the dynamics of bullfighting are set to evolve.
As established figures like Hermoso de Mendoza retire, a new generation of toreros, exemplified by Ortega, is stepping onto the stage, infusing the art with innovative styles and techniques. Ortega’s performance, despite encountering challenges with the bulls, demonstrated a commitment to artistry that resonates with younger audiences, craving a renewed passion for the tradition.
The trend of integrating modern elements while preserving classical aspects is gaining traction. Emphasizing audience engagement through interactive experiences could attract a diverse crowd, moving beyond traditional spectators. Events like the Aurresku de honor before the performance not only enrich the cultural experience but also draw attention to local customs, enhancing the overall appeal.
Moreover, the emphasis on the bull’s treatment and well-being is becoming increasingly critical. The public’s growing awareness concerning animal ethics will likely drive changes in how bulls are raised and treated, pushing for a model that balances cultural heritage with humane practices. This shift could lead to a more favorable public perception of bullfighting, allowing the tradition to thrive in a modern context.
New technologies, such as enhanced video analytics for training matadors and improved broadcast features, are set to revolutionize the viewer experience, making bullfighting more accessible to global audiences. These innovations could foster increased interest and appreciation for the sport, ensuring its relevance in the years to come.
In summary, as the bullfighting community embraces change while honoring its legacy, a promising horizon emerges, where tradition meets innovation, engaging both new fans and seasoned aficionados alike.