The Season Begins at Las Ventas: Just What You’ve Been Waiting For
4 de February de 2026
One of the most eagerly awaited bullfights of the Madrid spring season is the tribute to legendary breeder Victorino Martín. But beyond the spectacle itself, Servitoro invites you to delve into the story of one of the most fascinating and influential figures in bullfighting over the past century. Don’t miss it!
Few tributes are as well-deserved as the one Las Ventas bullring will pay on 15th June to Victorino Martín, one of the most important and respected breeders of fighting bulls in the last 50 years. His name is synonymous with bravery, tradition, and excellence in bull breeding, and he holds the record for the most awards in the history of Madrid’s legendary bullring.
Victorino’s legacy began at Las Ventas, where he and his brothers took over the struggling Escudero Calvo ranch. The “Albaserrada” breed was on the brink of disappearing, yet Victorino saw its potential. His vision and determination revived these unique bulls, setting them apart from the more common Tamarón-Vistahermosa bloodline that was becoming dominant at the time.
Victorino’s marketing genius shone early on. In 1968, he boldly offered his bulls for a mano a mano between El Cordobés and Palomo Linares at San Isidro, Madrid’s premier bullfighting festival. Although the duel never materialised, it put his cattle on the map. Just a year later, bullfighter Andrés Vázquez faced the bull Baratero, marking the start of the Victorino legend.
In 1970, Vázquez took on six Victorino bulls, a daring feat that cemented the reputation of this remarkable breeder. These bulls were known for their strength, bravery, and electrifying fights, quickly earning them a loyal following among Madrid’s aficionados. Victorino, a shrewd businessman, capitalised on the growing demand, making his bulls the most sought-after – and expensive – in Spain.
The 1980s saw another wave of triumphs, with Ruiz Miguel taking on six Victorino bulls in 1986. By this time, Victorino was the most celebrated breeder in Spain. He had already made history in 1982 during the Football World Cup, when his bulls stole the spotlight from the tournament. The infamous “Corrida del Siglo” (Bullfight of the Century) saw all three matadors – Ruiz Miguel, Esplá, and Palomar – carried out on the shoulders of the crowd. It was also during this era that the only pardoned bull in Las Ventas history, Velador, was saved by Ortega Cano during the prestigious Corrida de la Prensa.
The late 1980s and 1990s brought more iconic moments. El Niño de la Capea immortalised Cumbrerillo in 1988, and Roberto Domínguez delivered a masterclass with Matador in 1989. That same year, Curro Vázquez thrilled fans with his performance against Borrador. However, a dispute with a veterinarian led Victorino to temporarily withdraw from Las Ventas.
In the late 1990s, his bulls made a triumphant return. A new generation of matadors, including Óscar Higares, Uceda Leal, Fernando Robleño, Manuel Caballero, and El Cid, took up the challenge, achieving triumph after triumph. El Cid, in particular, became the ranch’s leading bullfighter, facing almost an entire Victorino herd over multiple seasons. Bulls like Murciano and Gaditano became true legends of Madrid’s bullfighting scene.
Today, under the leadership of his son, Victorino Martín García, the ranch remains at the pinnacle of Spanish bullfighting. On 15th June, three of today’s most outstanding matadors – Paco Ureña, Emilio de Justo, and Borja Jiménez (the last to be carried out on shoulders at Madrid with Victorino bulls) – will pay tribute to one of the most legendary breeders of all time.
This will undoubtedly be one of the most important events of the season.
On 15th June, Madrid will host one of the most highly anticipated bullfights of the year: The “In Memoriam” Corrida at Las Ventas.
Secure your seats now at Servitoro.com, or book via phone at +34 96 330 85 93 (Monday to Friday, 9:00–18:30) or WhatsApp at +34 647 66 93 71.
Tickets are selling fast! A full house is expected, so don’t miss your chance to witness a historic evening of bullfighting.
Bullfighting journalist
Bullfighting journalist
