Juan Ortega left the Plaza de la Maestranza de Ronda as the standout of the LXVII Corrida Goyesca, cutting three ears and joining Manzanares and Diego Ventura in a celebratory exit on shoulders. Ortega, from Seville, brought a calm, classic style to a rainy afternoon, with faenas that balanced precision and emotion.
The Goyesca, held on September 5, 2026, paid tribute to Antonio Ordóñez and the traditions of Spanish bullfighting. The event took place in the newly restored Ronda bullring and drew a full house. Many spectators arrived in traditional dress, while carriages circled the arena and anticipation filled the venue. The Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda, which manages the plaza, oversaw the restoration to preserve its historic character. Tickets sold out well in advance, reflecting excitement over the Goyesca's return after a two-year break.
The 2026 Goyesca was dedicated to the 75th anniversary of Antonio Ordóñez's alternativa, giving the event a impressive historical dimension.
Ortega’s first bull from Garcigrande set the tone. He opened with a slow, controlled verónica, followed by chicuelinas and a series of ayudados that drew a strong reaction from the crowd. His faena blended classic moves with innovation, including a molinete invertido and a deep series with the right hand. After a clean kill, the president awarded him one ear, though many in the crowd called for a second.
Morante de la Puebla, another headliner, struggled with bulls that lacked strength. His first bull gave him no options, and his second, despite a brief moment of promise, faded quickly. Manzanares had little to work with until the sixth bull, when he used the animal’s quality to earn two ears with long, fluid passes and a well-placed estocada. Several Spanish outlets blamed Morante's difficulties on the weakness of his bulls, a point echoed in post-event reports.
Diego Ventura opened the card with a bull for rejones from Ribeiro Telles, showing technical skill and flair. He secured two ears with daring quiebros and a pair of banderillas sin cabezada, affirming his reputation in the discipline.
Pre-event Spanish press highlighted the official card: Diego Ventura on horseback with a bull from David Ribeiro Telles, followed by Morante de la Puebla, José María Manzanares, and Juan Ortega with Garcigrande bulls. Organizers presented the lineup as a return to the classic Goyesca format after restoration work at the Ronda arena.
As dusk fell, Ortega dedicated his final bull to José Miguel Arroyo «Joselito». The faena was slow and deliberate, each pass measured and full of feeling. The crowd roared, and after a decisive estocada, Ortega was awarded two more ears. The procession that followed, carrying Ortega, Manzanares, and Ventura to the statue of Antonio Ordóñez, gave the evening a ceremonial air.
The official results were: Diego Ventura, two ears; Morante de la Puebla, silence in both appearances; Manzanares, silence and two ears; Juan Ortega, one ear with strong petition and two ears. The Garcigrande bulls varied in quality, with three impressive animals, while the Ribeiro Telles bull for rejones was manageable but lacked power. ABC and other major outlets described the event as steeped in ceremony and tradition, reinforcing its place as a cultural landmark.
Ronda’s Goyesca remains a singular event in the Spanish bullfighting calendar, combining spectacle with homage to tradition. Its ability to fill the arena and deliver moments of artistry, even as debate around bullfighting continues, reflects its lasting place in Spanish culture. For more on how tradition shapes major Spanish events, see this previous report.
This year’s Goyesca also stood out for the way Ortega and his peers honored the memory of Ordóñez and the Ronda school. While bullfighting’s future remains debated, the sold-out crowd and the energy in the arena suggest the tradition remains strong in Ronda. Ortega’s success was a personal achievement and a reminder that the classic Spanish corrida, performed at this level, still commands respect and passion.
