Valladolid, a Land of Stylish Matadors

From Fernando Domínguez to Mario Navas, with Roberto Domínguez leading the way, almost all toreros born in Valladolid—whether top-tier, second-tier, or lesser-known—have shared a distinctive quality: class. In this article, we highlight the most significant figures and recount their greatest achievements. Get to know them.

There is an unwritten rule about the kind of toreros that emerge from different regions. Naturally, there are always exceptions, but a torero’s place of origin often leaves its mark and shapes their character. Knowledge and skills are passed down through generations, resulting in certain regional traits that appear time and again.For instance, Portuguese matadores are typically highly skilled in the second act of a bullfight (placing banderillas). Portugal has produced many renowned toreros banderilleros (matadores skilled in placing banderillas), just as Albacete, to cite another example, is known for producing powerful and precise toreros. As for Valladolid, it has gained recognition for producing toreros of elegance and refinement.

Fernando and Roberto Domínguez: Two Generations of Valladolid Toreros

The origins of this reputation can be traced back to Fernando Domínguez, a torero born in 1907 who took his alternativa (the ceremony where a novillero becomes a full-fledged matador) in 1933. With exquisite technique, his career was short-lived, partly due to the Spanish Civil War interrupting its course. While he lacked a torero’s natural boldness, he was perhaps the closest in style to Belmonte, the legendary figure of the early 20th century. In fact, he bore an uncanny resemblance to him, particularly in aesthetics, though he lowered his hands more than “El Pasmo.”In terms of influence and legacy, he was arguably the most important torero Valladolid has ever produced. However, the greatest torero to emerge from the region was his nephew, Roberto Domínguez. A torero of exceptional finesse, he adapted to circumstances with a mix of elegance and technical mastery. Following his return to the ring in 1987, he quickly became one of the leading figures in a golden generation of toreros in the late 1980s, competing alongside greats like Capea, Espartaco, Manzanares, Ortega Cano, and more until his retirement in 1992.

An Unwritten Rule: The Bullfighting Style of Each Region

Other names deserve recognition for upholding Valladolid’s torero tradition. Ramón Fernández “El Habanero,” a novillero (a young bullfighter who has not yet taken the alternativa) born in Havana in 1895 but raised in Valladolid, was highly active in local bullrings. Félix Merino, a protégé of Joselito, displayed great talent but was reportedly indifferent in attitude. He took an illustrious alternativa in Madrid with Joselito and Belmonte, but after renouncing his title and returning to the novillero ranks, he was tragically killed by a Palha bull in Úbeda in 1927.

Another notable name is Pacomio Peribáñez, a predecessor of Mario Cabré, who was both a bullfighter and a theatre actor. A torero with a strong personality, he famously clashed with Joselito, refusing to take orders from the legendary figure. A severe cornada (goring) in the chest ended his ambitions, and he later served for many years as an advisor at Madrid’s Las Ventas bullring until his death in 1964.

Medina del Campo produced Manolo Blázquez, a torero highly popular in Barcelona in the 1950s, who took his alternativa in 1961 at La Monumental at the hands of Manolo González, who had come out of retirement that year. He later transitioned to a banderillero (bullfighter who places banderillas but does not kill the bull), but his early career was notable, as was that of Santiago Castro “Luguillano,” who exited Madrid’s Las Ventas through the Puerta Grande (a prestigious victory) three times in the late 1960s. He possessed great skill but faced a highly competitive era dominated by the likes of Puerta, Camino, and El Viti, which made it difficult for him to secure a place in major ferias (bullfighting festivals).

From Jorge Manrique to Mario Navas: The Evolution of Valladolid Bullfighting in Recent Decades

During the 1980s, Jorge Manrique stood out as a left-handed torero with a classic style, while David Luguillano, with his artistic flair and gypsy-like grace, found his moment of fame in the early 1990s. Around the same time, Manolo Sánchez, a torero of remarkable elegance, captured the imagination of local fans during his novillero years and in his early days as a matador.

More recently, several toreros from Valladolid have taken their alternativa, but none have firmly established themselves in the major ferias. Leandro Marcos, a refined stylist who showed flashes of brilliance in Madrid, Seville, and Santander, struggled with the sword, while José Miguel Pérez “Joselillo,” a fearless fighter, triumphed multiple times in Pamplona with bulls from Dolores Aguirre.

The most recent matador to emerge from Valladolid is Mario Navas, son of banderillero Félix Navas. He is a prime example of the region’s tradition, as his defining trait is, once again, class. Though he never reached the top novillero ranks, he demonstrated glimpses of his artistic aspirations in several arenas, including Madrid. He proudly carries forward the legacy of refined bullfighting that has made Valladolid’s toreros so renowned.

José Miguel Arruego

Book Tickets for the San Pedro Regalado Fair

Official Box Office for Bullfighting Tickets
Secure the best seat by purchasing your tickets in advance. Check the schedule of events, prices, and available seating.

Get tickets