The return of Victorino Martín’s bulls to Málaga brought high drama. Emilio de Justo and Fortes exited through the Puerta Grande, while Manuel Escribano fought on after a serious goring, earning a standing ovation.
The 150th anniversary feria at La Malagueta in Málaga delivered one of its most intense afternoons as Victorino Martín’s bulls returned to the ring, setting the stage for a contest defined by risk, technical mastery, and physical endurance. Emilio de Justo and Jiménez Fortes both achieved Puerta Grande honors, but it was Manuel Escribano’s determination—fighting on after suffering a goring in his first bull—that electrified the crowd and underscored the unpredictability of the event.
Fortes’s performance with the fourth bull, ‘Borracho’, stood out for its finesse and composure. The animal, awarded a lap of honor posthumously, allowed Fortes to build a seamless, technically precise faena, especially notable for his control on the right hand and a composed finish. The crowd responded to the quality of both bull and matador, with the final estocada delivered in two stages. In contrast, his earlier attempt with ‘Bárbaro’ was marked by the bull’s demanding temperament and limited opportunities for display, resulting in a silent crowd after a third attempt at the sword.
Emilio de Justo faced two challenging bulls. The fifth, serious and long, required a display of resilience and command, as the animal resisted lowering its head and tested the matador’s precision. De Justo’s ability to extract quality series, particularly on the right, was rewarded with two ears and an ovation for the bull. His earlier encounter with a difficult, high-headed third bull demanded similar effort, with the matador managing to draw out valuable passes despite the animal’s danger. The crowd’s strong petition for an ear was not granted, but de Justo was given a lap of honor.
Manuel Escribano’s afternoon was defined by courage. He opened the event with a dramatic portagayola and a demanding capote sequence, followed by a standout banderillas performance. The first bull’s aggression became clear early in the muleta, culminating in a goring to Escribano’s right leg. Despite bleeding, he completed the faena and was applauded for his composure and a well-placed sword. Refusing immediate medical attention, Escribano requested to face his second bull consecutively. Though weakened, he managed a determined faena, especially on the right, and killed with a full sword, earning a deserved ear and a rousing send-off as he finally walked to the infirmary.
The official summary of the event notes a nearly full arena and a Victorino Martín herd that lived up to its reputation for seriousness and emotion. ‘Borracho’ was recognized with a lap of honor, while the second, third, and fifth bulls were also applauded for their spirit. The sixth, despite initial promise, proved less impressive. The order of the fight was altered due to Escribano’s injury, and Antonio Chacón was recognized for his work with the banderillas on the fifth bull.
Results: MANUEL ESCRIBANO, ovation and ear; EMILIO DE JUSTO, lap of honor after petition and two ears; JIMÉNEZ FORTES, two ears and silence after warning. The afternoon’s events echo the kind of high-stakes drama seen in other major Spanish gatherings, such as the coordinated Diada demonstration in Catalonia, which also drew national attention for its unity and intensity, as reported in coverage of the Catalan pro-independence mobilization.
La Malagueta’s anniversary corrida highlights the enduring appeal and risks of Spanish bullfighting. The Puerta Grande exits for de Justo and Fortes, alongside Escribano’s heroic stand, reinforce the event’s place in Málaga’s cultural calendar. The Victorino Martín bulls, known for their demanding character, once again proved decisive in shaping the afternoon’s narrative. For context, La Malagueta is one of Spain’s most historic bullrings, and its anniversary events often attract national attention, drawing aficionados and critics alike to witness moments that test the limits of both animal and human participants.
