Málaga: The Great Summer Feria

Eight days of bullfighting. A mix of seasoned stars, rising talents and exciting newcomers. Matadors who are both powerful and poetic; classic in style or boldly unconventional. And with such a rich combination, the programme is as attractive as it is original. Add to that a variety of bloodlines and ranches to suit every taste, and you have the perfect recipe for a feria that stands out. By its length – and above all by its quality – Málaga’s Feria de Agosto is, without a doubt, the great summer feria.

The festivities begin on Thursday 14 August with a novillada (novice bullfight), featuring Ignacio Candelas, Julio Méndez, and Mexican prospect López Ortega, who will face young bulls from Macandro.

Friday 15 August gives the spotlight to emerging talents. David Galván, known for his elegant interpretation of the art, Borja Jiménez, one of the most in-form names of the season, and Víctor Hernández, breakout star of this year’s San Isidro, form a promising trio taking on bulls from Juan Manuel Criado.

On Saturday 16 August, the respected Portuguese ranch Murteira Grave returns to La Malagueta after its success last year. Their bulls will be fought by Pepe Moral, fresh from triumphing with the feared miuras in Seville; José Fernando Molina, a promising young talent from La Mancha; and local favourite Pablo Páez, who will take his alternativa (becoming a full matador).

Sunday 17 August is time for rejoneo – bullfighting on horseback – with bulls from Benítez Cubero – Pallarés. The line-up features seasoned veteran Sergio Galán, the undisputed star of the discipline Diego Ventura, and local rejoneador Ferrer Martín, who’s no stranger to competing with the top names.

The feria hits full stride from Monday 18 August, with a stellar card featuring Morante de La Puebla, Fortes, and Pablo Aguado, matched with bulls from Torrealta. A perfectly balanced line-up full of elegance and emotion.

Tuesday 19 August sees the return of Roca Rey, arguably the leading figure in bullfighting today. Joining him are Cayetano, bidding farewell to La Malagueta, and David de Miranda, the rightful winner of this year’s Feria de Abril in Seville. The bulls? None other than those of Victoriano del Río, a name that guarantees quality.

Wednesday 20 August delivers another showstopper. Morante, in the prime of his career; Talavante, triumphant at San Isidro and sharing the top of the rankings; and Juan Ortega, a refined stylist who always brings magic. They’ll take on bulls from El Puerto de San Lorenzo and La Ventana del Puerto – ranches increasingly favoured by the top names for their depth and bravery.

The grand finale, on Thursday 21 August, is nothing short of electrifying: a mano a mano (one-on-one duel) between Emilio de Justo and Fortes, the last two winners of the prestigious Capote de Paseo, awarded to the top performer of the Málaga feria. De Justo claimed it in 2022, while Fortes won in both 2023 and 2024 – the latter thanks to a performance that many have already called historic, facing a bull from Cuvillo. The bulls for this epic encounter will come from El Freixo, a ranch that recently saw three of its bulls pardoned in a single event – a rare feat that speaks volumes.

Everything is in place for an unforgettable Feria. The ingredients are there. The talent is ready. All that’s missing is you, the aficionado, to make the celebration complete.

La Malagueta is waiting. Don’t miss it – join the fiesta!