Valladolid: A Present that Builds the Future

The 2026 San Pedro Regalado Bullfighting Fair will be held at Valladolid’s bullring during May, as tradition dictates, and will feature two major bullfights at the Paseo de Zorrilla arena. The programme stands out for bringing together the foremost figures of bullfighting while also backing emerging talents through the so-called “Opportunity Bullfight”.

Under the leadership of its CEO Alberto García, the company Tauroemoción has transformed the San Pedro Regalado Fair into one of the key events at the start of Spain’s bullfighting season. Its strategy for 2026 has focused on strengthening the fair by increasing the number of events while continuing to attract the most sought-after matadors of the moment, as evidenced by the “star line-up” on Sunday 10 May.

On that day, Morante de la Puebla, Roca Rey and Juan Ortega will face one another in what promises to be a truly compelling bill. Morante de la Puebla is undoubtedly the main attraction, particularly following his much-anticipated return in Seville. Alongside the genius from La Puebla stands Roca Rey, the most box-office-drawing matador of recent years, and the artist Juan Ortega, who already knows what it means to triumph resoundingly in this arena. The bulls will come from the prestigious Jandilla breeding ranch.

However, one of Tauroemoción’s greatest contributions to Valladolid this year — if not the greatest — is the creation of the “Opportunity Bullfight”, scheduled for Sunday 17 May. This event has been specifically designed to promote young talents from Castile and León, such as Burgos-born Jarocho, Ávila’s Sergio Rodríguez, Salamanca’s Manuel Diosleguarde and Valladolid’s own Mario Navas.

The four matadors will face bulls from El Pilar in a uniquely structured spectacle: each will fight one bull, after which the two most outstanding performers will go on to face the remaining two. Of these two, the overall winner will earn a place in the Virgen de San Lorenzo Fair, held in this same arena in September and featuring the leading bullfighters of the moment.

This is undoubtedly a contest of singular competitive spirit, as the rivalry unfolding within the same event is set to create a lively atmosphere in the stands between discerning aficionados and supporters of each matador. Moreover, the prize at stake represents both a strong incentive and an excellent opportunity for these recently established matadors, who have already demonstrated great promise during their novice years, to progress in their careers and showcase their qualities before Valladolid’s knowledgeable and demanding audience.

For this reason, the motto of this year’s fair is “a present that builds the future”, as both events bring together the very best of the current scene and the most promising talents yet to come. An unmissable opportunity to visit the Valladolid bullring and enjoy these spectacles in a city rich in history, full of attractions and boasting excellent transport connections. Come and see for yourself.