Cuenca Bullfighting Poster, Feria de San Julián 2021
Cuenca 2021: The Long-Awaited Return of Bullfighting After a Year of Silence
“The first bullfights after the pandemic”
The 2021 Feria de San Julián arrived enveloped in an atmosphere of excitement and deep emotion. After a 2020 season without bullfights due to the pandemic, the return of what many call “the Champions League of Cuenca” felt like a genuine renaissance. With the arena restricted to 50% capacity and no season tickets on sale in order to comply with health regulations, the long queues that formed at dawn along the Paseo de Chicuelo II during the first day of ticket sales reflected the hunger and devotion of the afición.
The reopening of the stands—marked by distancing and caution—represented far more than the start of another fair: it symbolised cultural resilience and renewed hope.
21 August 2021
Perera opens the Fair in triumph, leaving the arena on shoulders
The Feria de San Julián began with a corrida shaped by the public’s desire to once again experience bullfighting in all its intensity. Miguel Ángel Perera emerged as the great victor of the opening afternoon, delivering a solid, composed performance full of depth and good toreo, which earned him three ears and the first Puerta Grande of the fair.
El Fandi and Daniel Luque also left noteworthy moments, each cutting an ear in a contest that, while not perfect from start to finish, offered passages of quality and—above all—the welcome confirmation that bullfighting had indeed returned to Cuenca.
Bullfight details:
Cuenca bullring. 1st of the Feria de San Julián. Half-capacity attendance due to restrictions.
Six bulls from La Palmosilla, well-presented and of varied performance.
- El Fandi: silence and an ear after a warning.
- Miguel Ángel Perera: an ear and two ears.
- Daniel Luque: an ear and silence.
A minute’s silence was observed in memory of all those who died from COVID-19.
22 August 2021
A spectacular afternoon of rejoneo with three riders through the Puerta Grande
The second day of the fair, dedicated to rejoneo, turned into a festival of triumphs. A total of seven ears were awarded in a vibrant afternoon where all three rejoneadores left the arena on shoulders.
Diego Ventura, a leading figure in this speciality, delivered the most complete performance of the evening with three trophies—and he might have secured a fourth had he not faltered with the final rejón.
Rui Fernandes and Leonardo Hernández joined Ventura in the Puerta Grande, displaying skill, precision and superb horsemanship.
Bullfight details:
Cuenca bullring. 2nd of the Feria de San Julián. Half-capacity within the permitted attendance.
Six bulls from María Guiomar Cortés de Moura, correctly presented and properly trimmed as required for rejoneo.
- Rui Fernandes: an ear and an ear.
- Diego Ventura: two ears and an ear.
- Leonardo Hernández: an ear and an ear.
23 August 2021
Emilio de Justo and Roca Rey give the Fair a grand finale
The 2021 Feria de San Julián closed on a high note. Emilio de Justo and Roca Rey brought the curtain down with brilliance, each cutting two ears from the second bull of their respective lots. These were two unforgettable faenas of contrasting styles: De Justo’s steeped in classicism and purity; Roca Rey’s charged with power, authority and youthful energy.
Morante de la Puebla left artistic flashes in his first bull, earning an ear that left the audience wanting more from the maestro.
Bullfight details:
Cuenca bullring. 3rd of the Feria de San Julián. Nearly full within the reduced-capacity rules.
Six bulls from José Vázquez, well-presented and offering a diverse, often interesting performance.
- Morante de la Puebla: an ear and applause.
- Emilio de Justo: ovation with salutes and two ears.
- Roca Rey: silence after a warning and two ears.
Photo Gallery
San Julián Fair 2021
Images: Julio Palencia / Maxitoro
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