Saltillo returns to Las Ventas: new lineup and season intrigue. Bulls from Saltillo will once again appear at Madrid's Las Ventas arena. This time, the bullfight features Venegas, Juan Leal, and Juan de Castilla. The lineup and details of the event are drawing attention from fans of the tradition.
The 11th bullfight of the San Isidro cycle at Madrid's Las Ventas arena will once again attract the public's attention: after several years of absence, the famous Saltillo ranch is returning. This time, the lineup features Venegas, Juan Leal, and Juan de Castilla, with five bulls from Saltillo and one from Couto de Fornilhos. The return of Saltillo has become a notable event for bullfighting fans: last year, bulls from this ranch did appear in Madrid, but a full-scale corrida de toros by Saltillo has not been held here since 2018.
There is special interest in the participation of José Carlos Venegas, who has not performed in this arena for four years. His last appearance at Las Ventas was also linked to Saltillo: at that time, he was involved in a duel with Palha and managed a lap of honor after the first bull. For Venegas, this comeback is a chance to reassert himself at one of Spain's most prestigious arenas.
The second participant is the French matador Juan Leal, known for his style and bravery. Last season he appeared at the Las Ventas arena only once—at a bullfight with Palha bulls—where he was greeted with an ovation and also completed a lap of honor. His return to Madrid underscores the importance of the event and adds intrigue to the competition for the public's acclaim.
Third on the list is the Colombian Juan de Castilla, who recently recovered from a serious injury sustained at the Manizales fair. In April, he already performed at the San Agustín de Guadalix festival, and now he is set for his second corrida in Spain this season. Last year, he appeared twice at Las Ventas: after a bout with Dolores Aguirre bulls, where he was injured but nevertheless finished the fight, and in the September duel between Rehuelga and Escolar, where he was also met with applause.
Among the bulls that will enter the ring are: Caramelo (number 35, 585 kg, March 2021), Jabalino (number 41, 529 kg, November 2021), Granadino (number 16, 587 kg, December 2020), Asturiano (number 2, 576 kg, January 2021), Aposentado (number 28, 565 kg, January 2021, black), Meloso (number 21, 579 kg, December 2020, dark gray). The reserve bulls are provided by the Couto de Fornilhos ranch.
The return of Saltillo to Madrid is not only a subject of interest among aficionados, but also part of a broader tradition, with Las Ventas serving as the stage for the season's most notable events. Last year, Saltillo bulls were met with applause during the ceremonial entry, and in 2017, it was here that the legendary Cazarrata made history by being assigned black banderillas — a rare occurrence in the arena’s history.
The topic of bullfighting in Madrid has repeatedly drawn public attention. For example, there was recently a major transport disruption in the Ventas area, when a gas leak forced the closure of dozens of metro stations, which also affected access to the arena and sparked disputes between the authorities and the opposition — details of this incident can be found in our archives.
For reference: Las Ventas is the largest arena in Spain and hosts the country’s most prestigious bullfights. The San Isidro cycle traditionally brings together leading matadors and the best ranches. Saltillo is one of the oldest and most respected ganaderías, known for its bulls’ complex temperament and a history of spectacular fights. The return of this brand to Madrid underscores the status of the season and maintains public interest in the classic traditions of Spanish bullfighting.
