Review Madrid – 17 May 2026
17 de May de 2026
A full month of bullfighting offers plenty to choose from. There are line-ups for every taste. But if you’re unsure where to start, at Servitoro we’ve selected the events we consider truly unmissable — so you can start planning your dates and securing your tickets. There you have it…
In this article we break down the key events of the San Isidro Fair — the ones you simply cannot miss. They capture the very essence of the most important bullfighting festival in the world. Mark them in red on your calendar and make sure you don’t miss out on tickets!
Bulls from Núñez del Cuvillo for Alejandro Talavante, Juan Ortega and Tristán Barroso (confirmation). The opening event of the fair. Talavante returns — a Madrid idol and last year’s standout performer. Ortega, who delivered several memorable performances last season, is joined by confirming matador Tristán Barroso, one of the brightest hopes of French bullfighting.
Bulls from La Quinta for Miguel Ángel Perera, Daniel Luque and Tomás Rufo. Three matadors who already know what it means to walk out through the Puerta Grande of Las Ventas face a corrida much loved by aficionados: the Santacoloma bloodline of La Quinta. A bold challenge with guaranteed spectacle.
Bulls from Puerto de San Lorenzo and La Ventana del Puerto for José María Manzanares, Juan Ortega and Pablo Aguado. An artistic line-up. Three matadors who approach bullfighting with sensitivity and style. Perfect for those attending the plaza with the simple intention of enjoying pure toreo.
Bulls from Victoriano del Río and Toros de Cortés for Sebastián Castella, Emilio de Justo and Tomás Rufo. Another powerful bill featuring three matadors who together have achieved more than a dozen Puerta Grande triumphs with a ranch widely considered one of the most successful in Las Ventas’ history.
Bulls from Juan Pedro Domecq for Diego Urdiales, Roca Rey and Bruno Aloi (confirmation). A classic fixture: the Press Bullfight. Roca Rey returns to Madrid as the leading figure, alongside the ever-reliable Urdiales and the youthful contrast of Mexican confirming matador Bruno Aloi.
Bulls from Garcigrande for Morenito de Aranda, Alejandro Talavante and Pablo Aguado. Another line-up of stylish matadors — ideal for those who appreciate refined, high-quality bullfighting. The bulls, from one of the most in-form ranches today, promise a compelling show.
Bulls from Jandilla and Vegahermosa for Emilio de Justo, Borja Jiménez and Víctor Hernández. A clash of youth and future ambition. Two matadors eager to shape the next chapter of the sport, joined by the established presence of Emilio de Justo and a highly reliable breeding programme.
Bulls from Juan Pedro Domecq for Uceda Leal, Clemente and Pablo Aguado. Another ideal bill for lovers of classic toreo — shared by three matadors from different generations but united by a similar artistic philosophy. If the Juan Pedro bulls perform, expect a day to remember.
Bulls from Toros de Cortés and Domingo Hernández for Borja Jiménez, solo. One of the boldest bets of the fair. A major challenge within an already demanding month. The outcome is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Borja Jiménez is aiming for the spotlight — and the crown — and will give everything to achieve it.
Bulls from Victoriano del Río and Toros de Cortés for Alejandro Talavante, Roca Rey and Víctor Hernández. The most prestigious bullfight of the year. A historic and highly respected event. None of the three matadors needs an introduction, nor does the ranch. A fitting grand finale to the fair.
