Cuenca Bullfighting Poster, Feria de San Julián 2015
Summary 22 August 2015
“Triumphant start to the San Julián Fair with El Juli and Perera on shoulders”
The San Julián Bullfighting Fair in Cuenca got off to a perfect start, with an afternoon full of excitement, masterful bullfighting, and two fighters leaving the ring on shoulders, setting the tone for the entire festival. Julián López ‘El Juli’ and Miguel Ángel Perera were the stars of the day, opening the main gate of the Cuenca bullring in triumph. The Madrid torero delivered a commanding performance, cutting both ears from a Daniel Ruiz bull that was also awarded a lap of honour. Meanwhile, the Extremaduran torero showed composure, courage and rhythm, earning an ear from each of his bulls.
Alejandro Talavante also left his mark: although he left on foot, he was far from empty-handed, having cut an ear from his first bull after moments of exquisite bullfighting that thrilled the crowd.
With more than three-quarters of the seats filled and a partly cloudy afternoon with intermittent rain, six bulls from Daniel Ruiz (one of them a substitute, the 5th bis) were fought, well presented and of varied behaviour. The fourth bull stood out, receiving a lap of honour for its bravery and quality.
Results:
- El Juli: ovation with acknowledgements and two ears.
- Miguel Ángel Perera: ear after warning and ear.
- Alejandro Talavante: ear after warning and ovation with acknowledgements, with strong demand for a second ear.
A memorable start to the fair, with an afternoon in which Cuenca once again experienced the magic and power of bullfighting in all its splendour.
Summary 23 August 2015
“A complete and triumphant afternoon in Cuenca with Escribano, Fandiño and ‘El Gallo’ on shoulders”
The second bullfight of the San Julián Fair had all the ingredients of a great day of bullfighting: emotion, commitment, and three fighters leaving the ring on shoulders, lifting the audience to their feet. Manuel Escribano, Iván Fandiño, and the young local Aitor Darío ‘El Gallo’ produced a memorable afternoon, in which bravery and spirit were the true stars.
Sevillano Escribano won over the crowd with a performance full of power, rhythm, and connection, cutting two ears from the spare bull. Fandiño, ever steadfast and brave, showcased his style and earned an ear from each of his bulls, confirming his excellent form. Meanwhile, ‘El Gallo’, who suffered a heavy fall, recovered with determination and flair to cut two ears, delighting his fans and sharing the triumphant exit through the main gate.
Fight summary:
Cuenca Bullring. Second day of the San Julián Fair. Two-thirds of the arena filled on a pleasant afternoon. Four bulls from Antonio López Gibaja and one bull (7th) plus two young bulls (3rd and 6th) from José Vázquez were fought, well presented and of varied behaviour. The second bull stood out for its nobility and movement on the muleta.
- Manuel Escribano: ovation with acknowledgements, ovation with acknowledgements and two ears after warning.
- Iván Fandiño: ear and ear.
- Aitor Darío ‘El Gallo’: ear after warning and ear.
A perfect afternoon where Cuenca once again experienced the pure excitement of bullfighting, with three committed toreros who made the stands vibrate with emotion.
Summary 24 August 2015
“Francisco José Espada takes the alternative with triumph and personality in Cuenca”
The third day of the San Julián Fair was a landmark for Francisco José Espada, who celebrated the day of his alternativa in Cuenca with a resounding triumph built on firmness, commitment, and the desire to impress. The torero from Fuenlabrada connected with the audience, who rewarded his attitude and bullfighting with an ear from each bull, strongly demanding a second ear in the sixth.
Morante de la Puebla, ever the artist, offered glimpses of his genius both with the cape and the muleta, although his performances didn’t fully take flight. José María Manzanares, elegant and measured, earned the crowd’s affection with two polished performances recognised with warm ovations.
Fight summary:
Cuenca Bullring. Third day of the San Julián Fair. More than three-quarters of the arena filled on a pleasant afternoon. Six bulls from El Tajo were fought, well presented but generally lacking in quality.
- Morante de la Puebla: boos and applause.
- José María Manzanares: ovation with acknowledgements after warning, and applause.
- Francisco José Espada (taking the alternativa): ear and ear with strong demand for a second.
An afternoon that will be remembered in Cuenca, where a young torero took a decisive step in his career, showing firmness, ambition, and a promising future.
Summary 25 August 2015
“López Simón conquers Cuenca and emerges as the star of the afternoon”
The fourth bullfight of the San Julián Fair had one clear protagonist: Alberto López Simón. The Madrid torero, stepping in for Francisco Rivera ‘Paquirri’, more than lived up to expectations, winning over the crowd with a performance full of composure, calm, and commitment. He particularly shone against a magnificent José Vázquez bull, fought as a substitute, which he desorejared in a performance of great expression and depth.
El Fandi, ever communicative and powerful, earned an ear from his second bull after a performance full of craft and spectacle. Sebastián Castella, facing a challenging lot, showed courage and style, earning ovations in both turns for his commitment.
Fight summary:
Cuenca Bullring. Fourth day of the San Julián Fair. Three-quarters full on a sunny and hot afternoon. Five bulls from Apolinar Soriano, well presented but of limited quality, and one from José Vázquez (3rd bis), brave and of excellent behaviour, were fought.
- El Fandi: ovation with acknowledgements after warning and ear.
- Sebastián Castella: ovation with acknowledgements, and ovation with acknowledgements.
- López Simón: two ears and ovation with acknowledgements.
An afternoon that confirmed Cuenca remains a land of opportunity and triumphs, where López Simón left a deep impression in his first appearance in the Cuenca ring.
Summary 26 August 2015
“Golden finale in Cuenca with a triumphant rejoneo afternoon”
The San Julián Fair in Cuenca closed in spectacular fashion with an apotheotic afternoon of rejoneo, in which all three horsemen left on shoulders to the sound of ovations and waving handkerchiefs. Diego Ventura was the undisputed star, cutting four ears and a tail, in a masterful performance full of skill and connection with the crowd.
Sergio Galán followed closely: with his characteristic elegance and purity, he produced two high-level performances, earning three ears in total. Leonardo Hernández, steady and committed, also earned trophies in both turns after two strong displays, rounding off a memorable afternoon for the Cuenca aficionados.
Fight summary:
Cuenca Bullring. Fifth and final day of the San Julián Fair. More than three-quarters of the arena filled on a sunny and hot afternoon. Six bulls from Benítez Cubero, correctly clipped, well presented, and of varied behaviour were fought, with the fifth and sixth standing out for their nobility and movement.
- Sergio Galán: ear and two ears.
- Diego Ventura: two ears and two ears and tail.
- Leonardo Hernández: two ears and ear.
A triumphant finale to a fair that once again demonstrated the passion and high level of bullfighting in Cuenca, with an audience responding with excellent attendance and an atmosphere of genuine taurine fervour.
Photo Gallery
San Julián Fair 2015
Images: Julio Palencia / Maxitoro
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