Julio Mendes opens the season at Las Ventas with Puerta Grande exit. Julio Mendes made his debut at San Isidro and instantly became the star of the event. He left Las Ventas on the shoulders of the crowd after being awarded two ears. The young matador spoke about what this achievement means for his career.
One of the most prominent bullfights of the season took place at Las Ventas arena in Madrid: debutant Julio Mendes from Avila not only made a name for himself but also exited through the Puerta Grande—a symbolic gesture in the bullfighting world that signifies recognition from both the public and the judges. The young torero was awarded two ears for his performance with the evening’s first bull, immediately making him one of the main protagonists of San Isidro.
In an interview with the Telenoticias 1 program on Telemadrid, Mendes emphasized that the evening was the fulfillment of a dream he had pursued since childhood. According to him, performing at Las Ventas is not just a risk to one's life but a test of one’s entire professional destiny. Of special significance to the torero was the bull named Babieco, with whom he was able to showcase his style and earn recognition.
The moment of being carried out of the arena came as an unexpected and emotional experience for Mendes. He noted that he had attended Las Ventas as a spectator from an early age, and now found himself at the center of attention of thousands of fans. In the torero’s view, the passion for bullfighting and public interest do not fade, with the change of generations among participants and spectators happening naturally. Mendes, who trained at the Escuela Taurina de Badajoz, considers his profession not just a job, but a way of life that demands total commitment.
During his conversation on Telemadrid, he also noted that for a torero in arenas like Las Ventas, it is not just life at stake, but an entire career. That is why, in his view, bullfighting remains one of the most honest and demanding professions: the torero puts his life on the line, while the bull risks its fate.
The topic of bullfighting and its place in modern Spain regularly sparks debate and discussion. At the same time, as Mendes’ experience shows, interest in the tradition remains, and young participants continue to draw public attention. For comparison, other areas of Spanish culture are also undergoing notable changes: for example, the TV show Pasapalabra continues to air despite court rulings, as was recently discussed in the article about changes on Spanish television.
For reference: the Las Ventas arena is considered the main venue for bullfighting in Spain and one of the largest in the world. San Isidro is an annual series of fights that brings together the country’s top matadors. Exiting through the Puerta Grande is a rare honor awarded only to the most outstanding participants of the evening. Bullfighting remains part of Spain’s cultural heritage despite ongoing debates about its future and society’s attitude toward the tradition.
