Cuenca Bullfighting Poster, Feria de San Julián 2017
SUMMARY 26 AUGUST 2017
Castella opens the San Julián Fair with two ears under the rain
The San Julián Fair in Cuenca began with a day marked by rain, emotion, and remembrance. Despite the bad weather, two-thirds of the arena filled with devoted fans who witnessed Sebastián Castella emerge as the great protagonist of the opening afternoon, cutting two ears after a performance full of courage and finesse.
The French matador, dressed in purple and gold, displayed composure and determination throughout, receiving silence in his first bull and two ears after a strong faena with his second. Ginés Marín, wearing bishop pink and gold, showed glimpses of quality but could not fully round off his performance, being warmly applauded after his final effort.
Rejoneador Diego Ventura completed the bill with a solid display of skill and control, earning an ovation after his first bull and one ear from the second. Before the start of the event, a minute of silence was held in memory of Dámaso González, and Carcelero —the bull pardoned in 2011— returned to the ring to receive a heartfelt tribute from the Cuenca crowd.
Bullfight details:
Cuenca Bullring. 1st of the San Julián Fair. Two-thirds attendance. Cloudy and rainy afternoon. Four bulls from José Vázquez (1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th) and two from María Guiomar Cortés de Moura.
- Sebastián Castella: silence and two ears after a warning.
- Ginés Marín: silence and ovation.
- Diego Ventura: ovation and one ear.
SUMMARY 27 AUGUST 2017
Triumphant afternoon in Cuenca with all three matadors leaving on shoulders
The second day of the San Julián Fair turned into a grand afternoon of triumphs. Despite the grey skies and intermittent rain, the stands of Cuenca’s bullring were filled with enthusiasm as three outstanding matadors delighted the crowd and all left through the Puerta Grande.
El Juli, ever masterful and composed, cut one ear from each of his bulls after two commanding performances full of rhythm and authority. Miguel Ángel Perera matched the tone with two strong faenas, also cutting one ear per bull. José Garrido brought freshness and boldness to the afternoon, rounding off the event with a superb performance that earned him four ears in total.
The bullfight began five minutes late to allow the ring to be prepared after the day’s heavy rain, but the effort paid off in an afternoon filled with brilliance and emotion.
Bullfight details:
Cuenca Bullring. 2nd of the San Julián Fair. Three-quarters attendance. Cloudy afternoon with occasional showers. Five bulls from Zalduendo and one from José Vázquez.
- El Juli: one ear and one ear.
- Miguel Ángel Perera: one ear and one ear.
- José Garrido: two ears and two ears.
SUMMARY 28 AUGUST 2017
Rain forces the suspension of the third bullfight of San Julián
The relentless rain that fell over Cuenca on 28 August forced the suspension of the third bullfight of the San Julián Fair. Despite all efforts to protect the ring —which had been covered with a large tarp since midday— the intense rainfall made the arena unfit for use and unsafe for the bullfighters.
At the scheduled start time, the matadors, their cuadrillas, the president, and businessman Maximino Pérez inspected the ring. After waiting for conditions to improve, the decision to cancel was made at 7:00 p.m.
The announcement was made over the loudspeakers by the empresario himself, receiving understanding from the spectators. The planned lineup included bulls from Cebada Gago for Curro Díaz, Joselito Adame, and Fortes.
SUMMARY 29 AUGUST 2017
Andy Cartagena and Leonardo Hernández shine in the closing of the fair
The San Julián Fair concluded with a remarkable afternoon of rejoneo, full of brilliance and emotion. Despite the cold and gloomy weather, Cuenca’s fans filled much of the stands to witness an exceptional display of horsemanship and artistry.
Andy Cartagena emerged as the day’s great victor, cutting four ears—two from each of his bulls—after two dynamic, crowd-pleasing performances full of precision and spectacle. Leonardo Hernández also impressed with two ears from his first bull, while Rui Fernandes took one ear after his second.
Bullfight details:
Cuenca Bullring. 4th of the San Julián Fair. Two-thirds attendance. Cloudy, cold, and unpleasant afternoon. Six bulls from Castillejo de Huebra, duly trimmed for rejoneo.
- Rui Fernandes: silence and one ear.
- Andy Cartagena: two ears and two ears.
- Leonardo Hernández: two ears and silence.
SUMMARY 30 AUGUST 2017
“A triumphant Ferrera brings the San Julián Fair to a close.”
Cuenca Bullring. Fifth and final day of the San Julián Fair. Just over three-quarters of the capacity was filled on a sunny afternoon with pleasant temperatures. Six bulls from Montalvo were fought, one of them as a substitute (4th bis).
- Antonio Ferrera (scarlet and gold): one ear after warning and one ear.
- José Garrido (mauve and gold): Ovation with greetings and one ear.
- Roca Rey (bishop and gold): ovation with greetings and silence after warning.
- Antonio Chacón received an ovation after banderilleing the fifth bull of the afternoon.
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