San Isidro and Community of Madrid Bullfairs Announce 2024 Lineups, Notable Absences
The highly anticipated posters for the 2024 San Isidro and Community of Madrid bullfairs have been released, revealing a compelling lineup of matadors and a significant absence – Morante de la Puebla, who will instead perform at the Seville Fair. The announcements, made more than three months in advance, signal a season of both tradition and potential surprises within the world of torería.
A Season of Established Stars and Rising Talents
According to sources close to the organizing committees, the San Isidro Fair will showcase a blend of established figures and emerging talents. Roca Rey, Alejandro Talavante, and Manzanares are expected to be central attractions, continuing their legacies as prominent figures in the bullfighting world. However, the fairs also promise to spotlight the next generation, with matadors like Diego Urdiales, Juan Ortega, and Aguado poised to make a significant impact.
“Names like Víctor Hernández or David Miranda could be the big surprises,” a senior official stated, hinting at the potential for breakout performances throughout the season. These rising stars will be closely watched as they attempt to establish themselves alongside the established elite.
Key Bullfights and Dates to Watch
The San Isidro Fair boasts a packed schedule, beginning on Friday, May 8th, with a bullfight featuring Alejandro Talavante, Juan Ortega, and Tristán Barroso, marking the confirmation of Barroso’s alternativa (debut as a full matador). Other notable dates include:
- June 7th: Borja Jiménez will undertake the challenging feat of facing six bulls in a single bullfight – an event offered outside of standard subscription.
- May 28th: The Press Association Bullfight will feature Diego Urdiales, Roca Rey, and Bruno Aloi, also marking Aloi’s alternativa.
- May 23rd: A rejoneo (bullfighting on horseback) spectacle will showcase Andy Cartagena, Diego Ventura, and Guillermo Hermoso de Mendoza.
The full schedule of the San Isidro Fair is as follows:
- Friday, May 8: Núñez del Cuvillo bulls for Alejandro Talavante, Juan Ortega and Tristán Barroso
- Saturday, 9: La Quinta bulls for Miguel Ángel Perera, Daniel Luque and Tomás Rufo.
- Domingo, 10: Conde de Mayalde bulls for David Galván, Román and Gonzalo Caballero.
- Mars, 12: Montealto steers for Tomás Bastos, Martín Morilla and Álvaro Serrano.
- Wednesday, 13: Resin Match Bulls for Antonio Ferrera, Calita and Jesús Enrique Colombo.
- Thursday, 14: Bulls from El Parralejo for Sebastián Castella, Daniel Luque and David de Miranda.
- Friday, 15th: El Torero bulls for Diego Urdiales, Fortes and Fernando Adrián.
- Saturday, 16: La Quinta bulls for El Cid, Álvaro Lorenzo and Manuel Diosleguarde
- Domingo, 17: Fuente Ymbro bulls for Miguel Ángel Perera, Paco Ureña and Fernando Adrián.
- Mars, 19: Fuente Ymbro steers for Pedro Luis, Mario Vilau and Julio Norte.
- Wednesday, 20: Saltillo bulls for José Carlos Venegas, Juan Leal and Juan de Castilla.
- Thursday, 21: Bulls from Puerto de San Lorenzo for Manzanares, Juan Ortega and Aguado.
- Friday, 22: Victoriano del Río bulls for Sebastián Castella, Emilio de Justo and Tomás Rufo.
- Saturday, 23: Sánchez and Sánchez bulls for Andy Cartagena, Diego Ventura and Guillermo Hermoso de Mendoza.
- Domingo, 24: Alcurrucén bulls for Fortes, David de Miranda and Víctor Hernández.
- Mars, 26: Steers from Conde de Mayalde for Emiliano Osornio, Pedro Montaldo and Julio Méndez.
- Wednesday, 27: Pedraza de Yeltes bulls for Isaac Fonseca, Molina and Jarocho.
- Thursday, 28: Bulls by Juan Pedro Domecq for Diego Urdiales, Roca Rey and Bruno Aloi
- Friday, 29: Garcigrande bulls for Morenito de Aranda, Talavante and Aguado.
- Saturday, 30: Bulls by María Guiomar Cortés de Moura for Rui Fernandes, Diego Ventura and Lea Vicens.
- Domingo, 31: Bulls by Adolfo Martín for Antonio Ferrera, Manuel Escribano and Paco Ureña.
- Tuesday, June 2: Bulls by José Escolar for Pepe Moral, Damián Castaño and Gómez del Pilar.
- Wednesday, 3: Lagunajanda bulls for José Garrido, Ismael Martín and Samuel Navalón.
- Thursday, 4: Jandilla bulls for Emilio de Justo, Borja Jiménez and Víctor Hernández.
- Friday, 5: Bulls by Juan Pedro Domecq for Uceda Leal, Clemente and Aguado.
- Saturday, 6: Bulls by Victorino Martín for Morenito de Aranda, Fernando Adrián and Román.
- Domingo, 7: Bullfight ‘In Memoriam Ignacio Sánchez Mejías’ for Borja Jiménez.
- Domingo, 14: Charity Bullfight for Talavante, Roca Rey and Víctor Hernández.
Community of Madrid Mini-Fair Precedes San Isidro
Prior to the San Isidro Fair, the Community of Madrid will host a mini-fair, offering a preview of the upcoming season. This event, running from May 1st to May 3rd, will feature:
- May 1st: Steers from various Madrid farms for David López, Álvaro Serrano, and Joel Ramírez.
- May 2nd: The “Goya” bullfight, showcasing Uceda Leal, El Cid, and Javier Cortés.
- May 3rd: Steers from Couto de Fornilhos for Mario Arruza, Cristian González, and Juan Alberto Torrijos.
The release of these carteles (posters) marks a pivotal moment for aficionados, setting the stage for a summer filled with passion, skill, and the enduring tradition of Spanish bullfighting. .
