Who was Ignacio Sánchez Mejías?
15 de January de 2026
The In Memoriam bullfight, held every June at Las Ventas once the San Isidro Festival has ended, has become one of the most traditional events
Las Ventas, the world’s most prestigious bullring, promises an exciting start to the 2025 season. With a historic and highly respected bull ranch and three matadors who left their mark last year, there’s no need to wait for San Isidro to enjoy the best events in this iconic arena.
The 2025 bullfighting season at Las Ventas begins with no preamble – it dives straight into the action. On 23 March, Madrid’s iconic bullring opens its doors for the year with no novilladas or warm-up corridas. Instead, it kicks off with a legendary Adolfo Martín bullfight. Nautalia, the company managing the events at Las Ventas, has chosen a distinctly “torista” theme for the early season, setting the tone until San Isidro begins in May.
This Palm Sunday, the event will feature a bullfight by Adolfo Martín, a ranch known for its connection to the Albaserrada bloodline, shared with the famous Victorino bulls. Adolfo Martín Escudero, now at the helm of the ranch, has maintained its reputation and quality, with bulls raised in Escurial, Cáceres.
The six bulls selected for this Sunday’s event are mature, serious animals that perfectly embody the characteristics of this lineage. They promise to delight the most discerning aficionados, many of whom will eagerly view them during the morning inspection before the event.
The trio tasked with making the first paseíllo of 2025 in Las Ventas is as intriguing as the bulls themselves. Rafael de Julia, Damián Castaño, and Adrián de Torres are the matadors chosen to grace the ring for the first time this season, each earning their place after impressive performances in Madrid last year.
Rafael de Julia shone during the September Concurso de Ganaderías, excelling against bulls from Concha y Sierra and Castillejo de Huebra. His classical style, especially his natural passes to the Murube bull from Castillejo, demonstrated his maturity and mastery.
Damián Castaño has become a favourite among the most demanding Las Ventas aficionados. The Salamanca-born matador has proven himself with outstanding performances in Madrid and other arenas featuring the strongest and most challenging bulls. Fans still recall his unforgettable afternoon with a Saltillo bull during the September desafíos ganaderos.
Closing the line-up is Adrián de Torres, a fearless matador from Jaén who lets his courage speak for itself. In recent years, he has captivated Las Ventas audiences with his calm composure and exceptional skill. He made a lasting impression in 2023 against a Cuadri bull and with a masterful performance against a José Enrique Fraile bull last year.
The stage is set. After the long winter break, fans are surely hungry for this feast of bullfighting. And the menu doesn’t end here – the following weeks feature more exciting events with bulls from Palha, Saltillo, Valdellán, and others. Las Ventas is preparing a mouth-watering start to the 2025 season – don’t miss it!
The In Memoriam bullfight, held every June at Las Ventas once the San Isidro Festival has ended, has become one of the most traditional events
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