Cuenca 2026: The “Champions League” of Bullfighting and the enduring bond with Maximino Pérez

Maximino Pérez presents his most special fair yet in Cuenca, for many reasons. A perfectly balanced programme that guarantees the next generation of bullfighters and a new generation of management, without losing sight of the biggest names in the sport. If I were you, I wouldn’t miss it.

The 2026 San Julián Bullfighting Fair in Cuenca has once again confirmed its privileged position on Spain’s bullfighting calendar as the true “Champions League” of the sport. This year’s Cuenca season is not simply a succession of top-class line-ups; it represents the culmination and maturity of a management model that has completely transformed the city’s bullfighting fortunes. At the heart of this remarkable business success is one name: Maximino Pérez.

When the MaxiToro company arrived in the Castilian city back in 1999, the San Julián Fair suffered from the same lack of consistency that affected many bullrings of its standing. With a forward-thinking vision, clear ideas and an unwavering respect for season-ticket holders, Maximino Pérez introduced a formula that was simple to describe but extremely difficult to achieve: the highest possible quality, with no compromises.

Over almost three decades, the Madrid-born promoter not only brought stability to the bullring on Avenida de los Reyes Católicos, but also achieved the remarkable feat of bringing together the leading names in bullfighting year after year. This attracted thousands of aficionados from across Spain and significantly increased the number of season-ticket holders at the bullring. Under his leadership, Cuenca ceased to be merely another stop on the summer circuit and became an essential date on the calendar, where bullfighters are expected to perform as if they were in one of Spain’s top-tier bullrings.

This year’s line-ups once again reflect Maximino’s determination to offer the Cuenca public the finest possible spectacle. Morante de la Puebla’s two appearances, together with major names such as Alejandro Talavante, José María Manzanares and Diego Ventura in the rejoneo event, make San Julián a major bullfighting attraction in the heart of August. The demanding selection of bulls for this year’s programme also demonstrates that the bull, the very centre of the emotion and spectacle, continues to receive the same care and attention as it did from the very beginning.

Maximino Pérez’s deep connection with Cuenca goes far beyond the purely business side of bullfighting. His passionate commitment and unconditional affection for the city have received the highest institutional and public recognition this year: Cuenca City Council will name him an Adopted Son of the city and award him the prestigious Ciudad de Cuenca Prize. It is the unanimous recognition of a city for a man who put its bullring on the international bullfighting map and repaid, many times over, the affection of an audience that holds him in the highest regard.

Despite the inevitable twists of fate and the quiet battles that life brings, Maximino’s influence and values remain firmly rooted both in the bullring and behind the scenes. The 2026 San Julián Fair also brings an important new element: a new generation taking over the reins. His children have assumed full responsibility for organising this year’s event, putting together the programme according to the principles they have inherited from their father: hard work, professionalism, seriousness and absolute respect for both the bullfighters and the public.

The greatest lesson Maximino Pérez has passed on to the next generation is the importance of keeping that spark of excitement alive. Only by preserving that magic from within can you ensure that customers and, above all, Cuenca’s loyal season-ticket holders continue to head to the ticket office and fill the stands with the same enthusiasm and loyalty they have shown for the past 27 years. This year’s season-ticket package is living proof of a job well done; an ongoing tribute to a legendary promoter whose name will forever be linked to the golden history of bullfighting in Cuenca.

San Julián 2026: A Historic Season-Ticket Package with a Distinctive Signature

This year’s programme stands out for its balance, combining a double appearance by one of the sport’s biggest current stars, leading figures in both traditional bullfighting and rejoneo, the emergence of young talent and an unquestionable commitment to variety in the breeding stock.

Friday 21 August: Popular Event. Recortes competition featuring bulls from the Mateo y Rodrigo breeding ranches.

Saturday 22 August: Promotional Event. Practical bullfighting class featuring young bulls from Pedro Miota.

Sunday 23 August: Rejoneo Bullfight. Bulls from San Pelayo for leading rejoneadores Andy Cartagena, Diego Ventura and Duarte Fernandes.

Monday 24 August: Bullfight. Bulls from Román Sorando for Morante de la Puebla’s first appearance, alongside Alejandro Talavante and Juan Ortega.

Tuesday 25 August: Bullfight — Youth and Emerging Talent. Bulls from Montalvo for Fernando Adrián, Víctor Hernández and rising star Marco Pérez.

Wednesday 26 August: Bullfight. Bulls from Domingo Hernández for Morante de la Puebla’s second appearance, sharing the bill with José María Manzanares and Borja Jiménez.

Thursday 27 August: Bullfight for Novilleros with Picadors. Young bulls from Pedro Miota for rising talents Emiliano Osornio, Álvaro Serrano and Olga Casado.

José Miguel Arruego

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