Cuenca Bullfighting Poster, Feria de San Julián 2023
26 AUGUST 2023
Joselito Adame dominates the opening afternoon and leaves on shoulders with three ears
The San Julián Fair began with a vibrant spectacle led by Joselito Adame, who delivered a powerful and committed performance to cut three ears and establish himself as the great protagonist of the opening corrida. The Román Sorando herd produced two bulls of high quality —the fifth and sixth— and the crowd responded with enthusiasm to the start of the Cuenca serial.
Sebastián Castella opened the card with a difficult lot, though he still managed to coax an ear from the first through sheer determination. Juan Ortega, faithful to his elegant style, brushed greatness in the sixth, crafting a refined faena that slipped away due to his struggle with the sword.
Festejo summary
Cuenca bullring. 1st of the San Julián Fair.
Bulls from Román Sorando and one replacement (2nd bis) from José Vázquez.
- Sebastián Castella (navy and gold): ear and ovation after a warning.
- Joselito Adame (plum and jet black): ear and two ears.
- Juan Ortega (bottle green and jet black): applause and ovation.
27 AUGUST 2023
Ventura sweeps the board with a tail in a brilliant afternoon alongside Guillermo and Rui
The rejoneo corrida at San Julián delivered another memorable day, with Diego Ventura emerging as the undisputed star. The Portuguese-born rider cut three ears and a tail, producing a commanding and expressive display before a mixed herd featuring one bull from Benítez Cubero and five from Pallarés.
Guillermo Hermoso de Mendoza, who flirted with the maximum trophy in his first, left Cuenca with four ears, underlining his maturity and consistency. Rui Fernandes, classical and measured, secured an ear from each of his bulls.
Festejo summary
Cuenca bullring. 2nd of the San Julián Fair.
One bull from Benítez Cubero (1st) and five from Pallarés.
- Rui Fernandes: ear and ear.
- Diego Ventura: two ears and a tail, and ear.
- Guillermo Hermoso de Mendoza: two ears and two ears.
28 AUGUST 2023
Fernando Adrián delivers a commanding performance and cuts three ears in the third of the fair
The third bullfight of the San Julián Fair belonged to Fernando Adrián, who once again demonstrated the force of his season by cutting three ears. With sharper steel, the prizes could easily have been even greater, as both of his faenas carried weight and intention.
José María Manzanares transmitted serenity and depth, taking an ear from his first and narrowly missing another in the demanding fifth. Morante de la Puebla left moments of sheer artistry with both his bulls: refinement in the first and intensity against the fourth, where the prize slipped away due to the bull’s slow fall.
Festejo summary
Cuenca bullring. 3rd of the San Julián Fair.
Bulls from José Vázquez, with the fourth fought as a replacement.
- Morante de la Puebla: silence and ovation.
- José María Manzanares: ear and ovation.
- Fernando Adrián: two ears and ear after a warning.
29 AUGUST 2023
Successful debut for breeder Pedro Miota as Andreu and Moset earn trophies in the practical novillada
The fourth event of the fair brought three-quarters attendance for the practical novillada without picadors, where local breeder Pedro Miota debuted with a promising and well-regarded herd of erales.
Young novilleros Simón Andreu and Daniel Moset each cut an ear, leaving a fine impression. The rest of the lineup also showed talent and eagerness in a festive and educational afternoon.
Festejo summary
Cuenca bullring. 4th of the San Julián Fair. Practical novillada.
Erales from Pedro Miota.
- El Gali: vuelta al ruedo.
- Alejandro Casado: vuelta al ruedo after a warning.
- Dennis Martín: ovation after a warning.
- Ruiz de la Hermosa: vuelta al ruedo.
- Simón Andreu: ear.
- Daniel Moset: ear after a warning
30 AUGUST 2023
Emilio de Justo crowns the fair with four ears as El Juli bids farewell to Cuenca with triumph
San Julián closed with a high-voltage corrida from Rehuelga, impeccably presented and of strong interest. Emilio de Justo offered a masterclass of deep, unhurried toreo and cut four ears, becoming the outstanding name of the final afternoon.
In his farewell appearance in Cuenca, El Juli sealed his passage through the fair with a powerful faena to the fourth, earning two ears and the affection of the crowd. Roca Rey added an ear from his first and came close to doubling the award in the sixth, where a petition was heard.
Festejo summary
Cuenca bullring. Final of the San Julián Fair. Near full capacity.
Bulls from Rehuelga.
- El Juli: ovation and two ears.
- Emilio de Justo: two ears after a warning and two ears.
- Roca Rey: ear and applause.
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