The Season Begins at Las Ventas: Just What You’ve Been Waiting For
4 de February de 2026
*Images: Alfredo Arévalo Plaza 1
Palm Sunday in Madrid left fans wanting more. Antonio Ferrera stood out with poise and artistry, but the sword denied him any reward. David de Miranda offered a serious, professional showing with the weakest lot, while Alejandro Mora, confirming his alternative, made a strong impression despite the ordeal of his debut. Seven warnings and scattered applause were the soundtrack to a frustrating afternoon in Las Ventas.
The traditional Palm Sunday bullfight at Las Ventas unfolded under spring skies but lacked the spark of triumph. A challenging string of bulls from Valdellán thwarted the hopes of the afternoon, where talent was evident but the sword reigned supreme in denying accolades.
Antonio Ferrera shone brightest, especially with his first bull, the second of the afternoon. He delivered a composed and elegant faena, full of nuance and depth, with fluid right-hand passes and graceful naturales that connected deeply with the crowd. The bull responded, and Ferrera drew him long and soft, but two missed sword attempts ahead of the final thrust dashed his chances of an ear. His second bull, the fourth, offered little to work with.
Alejandro Mora confirmed his alternativa with “Bilbaíno”, a bull with a promising right horn. Mora showed a classic style and the desire to do things properly, though the faena overstayed its welcome. Three warnings followed his failed attempts with the sword. In the sixth, faced with an uncooperative bull, he displayed courage and commitment despite having no real material for success.
David de Miranda faced the most difficult lot of the afternoon, particularly the third — a replacement bull from Los Maños. In the fifth, he managed a few well-measured right-hand series, lowering the hand and drawing out the charge with merit. After a half-hearted sword blow, his banderillero Vicente Herrera was gored in the right armpit while trying to deliver the coup de grâce, and had to be treated in the infirmary. The silence was as telling as the effort given.
An afternoon of effort without reward, where only Ferrera’s refined toreo briefly pierced the haze of missed opportunities and muted emotion.
Palm Sunday, 13 April 2025. Half attendance. 9793
Six bulls from Valdellán, well presented, of uneven behaviour; several lacking strength. The third was replaced by a Los Maños bull, noble yet short on stamina.
In crimson and gold: two failed sword attempts and a final thrust (two warnings, applause); low-placed thrust (silence).
In scarlet and gold: one miss and a low sword (silence); poor half-thrust and three attempts with the descabello (two warnings, silence).
In white and gold, confirmed his alternativa: four misses, a short perpendicular thrust and three descabellos (three warnings, silence); three misses (silence).
Images: Alfredo Arévalo Plaza 1
Bullfighting journalist
