Cuenca Review – 23 August 2026

Cartagena and Fernandes each cut two ears and left the Cuenca bullring on the shoulders of supporters. Ventura delivered the afternoon’s most outstanding performance but lost a greater reward with the final killing stroke.

Andy Cartagena and Duarte Fernandes open San Julián with a triumph

The San Julián Fair in Cuenca got underway with a spectacular afternoon of rejoneo, with Andy Cartagena and Duarte Fernandes emerging as the main winners after each collecting two ears and being carried shoulder-high from the bullring.

The six bulls from San Pelayo offered opportunities throughout much of the afternoon, displaying generally noble and cooperative behaviour, although there were differences in strength and performance between the animals.

Diego Ventura also produced a high-level performance. He cut one ear from his first bull and came very close to joining his fellow riders in a triumphant exit. His second opponent, weighing 612 kg, allowed Ventura to produce one of the most intense performances of the afternoon, although his failure with the final killing stroke prevented him from receiving the reward his work deserved.

Cartagena combines experience and spectacle

Andy Cartagena opened the afternoon with his trademark combination of experience, precision and spectacular horsemanship.

The rider from Alicante quickly understood the qualities of his first opponent and built an energetic performance, particularly during the banderillas. His ability to combine precision with spectacular movements kept the audience engaged throughout the performance.

Piruettes, changes of pace and a varied second tercio gave the performance a strong sense of rhythm and earned Cartagena his first ear.

He maintained the same level in his second appearance, making the most of the qualities offered by his bull. His performance once again connected strongly with the Cuenca crowd, and the second ear secured his place among the afternoon’s triumphants.

Ventura delivers the afternoon's most impressive performance

Diego Ventura found a noble first bull and gradually built a performance of increasing intensity.

His commitment was appreciated by the audience, with a strong request for a second ear accompanying the trophy eventually awarded.

However, Ventura’s most impressive performance came with the fifth bull of the afternoon. The 612 kg San Pelayo required authority, precision and composure, and the Seville-born rider responded with a highly spectacular display.

Riding Lío and Bronce, Ventura produced some of the most memorable moments of the afternoon. His control of the distances and the precision of his banderillas raised the performance to another level.

One of the highlights came with an especially daring pair of banderillas performed with both hands and without a bridle.

The performance contained more than enough quality to merit a major reward. However, the final killing stroke went awry, leaving Ventura with an ovation rather than the triumph his performance had suggested. Even so, it was undoubtedly one of the afternoon’s most important displays.

Duarte Fernandes makes his mark in Cuenca

Duarte Fernandes faced an important afternoon in Cuenca and responded with a confident and notably pure performance.

The Portuguese rider displayed a classical style, paying particular attention to the way he approached the bull and to the precision of his banderillas. His ability to control the bull’s movements and the cleanliness of his executions gradually won over the crowd.

His first bull allowed him to demonstrate his full range of skills. A precise final killing stroke brought him his first ear of the afternoon.

Fernandes maintained his momentum with the sixth. His riding remained clean and measured, with particularly bright moments during the quiebro banderillas.

The short banderillas and an effective final killing stroke completed another strong performance, earning him a second ear and confirming his place alongside Cartagena in the triumphant exit.

San Pelayo provides the ingredients for a successful opening

San Pelayo bulls were generally well presented and offered varied performances, although nobility and cooperation were the predominant characteristics.

A lack of strength in some of the bulls was one of the afternoon’s limiting factors, but the three rejoneadores were able to take advantage of the opportunities presented to them.

The final statistics placed Andy Cartagena and Duarte Fernandes as the principal winners of the opening corrida of the San Julián Fair, with both riders collecting two ears and leaving the bullring shoulder-high.

Diego Ventura, meanwhile, was responsible for the performance with the greatest artistic impact. His work with the fifth bull could easily have resulted in a much bigger triumph had he succeeded with the final killing stroke.

The San Julián Fair therefore begins with a double triumph for Cartagena and Fernandes and a clear reminder of Ventura’s ability to produce spectacular and memorable rejoneo.

FESTEJO DETAILS

PHOTOGRAPHY GALLERY

Photografs: Julio Valencia

Servitoro Communication

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