Bullfighters2026 bullfighting season at the Real Maestranza in Seville: triumphs, key figures, and final assessment
28/10/20262026 Bullfighting Season at the Real Maestranza in Seville: Triumphs, Key Figures, and Final Assessment
The 2026 bullfighting season at the Real Maestranza in Seville delivered exceptional moments of bullfighting, notable triumphs, and significant changes in the management of the Seville bullring. Morante de la Puebla and Pablo Aguado emerged as two of the season’s major protagonists—a campaign also marked by the revival of the *Corpus Christi* bullfight and the beginning of a new era in the venue’s management.
Seville’s historic bullring once again served as a premier stage on the Spanish bullfighting calendar, hosting highly anticipated events and offering a season that invites reflection on the triumphs, the breeding ranches, and the challenges ahead for the coming year.
Morante de la Puebla: A Leading Figure of the Seville Season
Morante de la Puebla stood out as one of the season’s major figures in Seville. His performances at the Real Maestranza captured much of the fans' attention—most notably his triumphs and his exit through the *Puerta del Príncipe* (Prince’s Gate) on June 4th, during the *Corpus Christi* bullfight.
His artistic flair and his deep connection with the audience have once again cemented his status as an essential name in the Seville bullfighting scene.
Pablo Aguado: Another Major Success in Seville
Pablo Aguado also delivered an outstanding season at the Maestranza. The Sevillian bullfighter earned an exit through the *Puerta del Príncipe* on September 26th, sharing the bill that afternoon with Roca Rey and Emilio de Justo.
His performance strengthened his standing among the most prominent bullfighters in Seville and reaffirmed his special bond with the Maestranza’s audience.
Jandilla: The Season’s Standout Breeding Ranch
Regarding the livestock, the Jandilla ranch was recognized as the best breeding establishment of the season during the bullfighting awards held at the Hotel Colón. The performance of the bulls during the bullfight on September 26th contributed to the success of the matadors and made this event one of the highlights of the San Miguel festival series.
However, the appearance and behavior of some of the bull herds also drew criticism from fans—a factor that remains crucial when evaluating the season as a whole.
The revival of the Corpus Christi bullfight
One of the major developments of the 2026 bullfighting season was the revival of the Corpus Christi bullfight at the Real Maestranza.
The event on June 4th featured Morante de la Puebla, Juan Ortega, and Pablo Aguado, restoring the prominence of bullfighting on a significant date in the Sevillian calendar.
Morante’s triumph—culminating in his exit through the "Puerta del Príncipe" (Prince’s Gate)—made the day one of the most memorable moments of the season.
A new management era at the Real Maestranza in Seville
The 2026 season marked the first year under the management of José María Garzón and his company, Lances de Futuro.
Key achievements under this new management include a 34% increase in the number of season-ticket holders, as well as a positive reception for the newly introduced youth season tickets.
The revival of the Corpus Christi bullfight and various initiatives to attract new fans are part of a strategy aimed at strengthening interest in bullfighting in Seville.
At the same time, improving the presentation of the livestock and maintaining the high quality of the events remain significant challenges for future seasons.
Charity festival brings the season to a close
The season in Seville concluded on October 4th with a charity festival held in support of the Hermandad de la Estrella (Brotherhood of the Star) and the organization Autismo Sevilla.
The event was marked by a serious goring suffered by Alejandro Talavante, who sustained an injury to his right thigh during his performance. The event also featured César Rincón, Roca Rey, Pablo Aguado, and the *rejoneador* (mounted bullfighter) João Moura, who bid farewell to bullfighting at this festival.
Final assessment of the 2026 bullfighting season in Seville
The 2026 bullfighting season at the Real Maestranza was marked by a blend of artistic triumphs, calendar innovations, and shifts in management.
Morante de la Puebla emerged as a key figure, while Pablo Aguado reaffirmed his status as a bullfighter with a particularly strong bond to the Sevillian audience. The Jandilla ranch and the revival of the Corpus Christi event also stood out as highlights of the year.
On the management front, an increase in the number of season-ticket holders stands out as a significant development under the new administration. Looking ahead to 2027, the challenge will be to sustain attendance at the bullring, attract new audiences, and meet the fans' expectations regarding the appearance and behavior of the bulls.
Thus, the Real Maestranza of Seville concludes a season defined by notable moments, once again placing the Andalusian capital at the heart of the Spanish bullfighting scene.
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