Ronda Rediscovers Its Essence: Bullfighting Returns to the Dreamed City

After two years of waiting, bullfighting returns to Ronda with a historic Pedro Romero Fair. Discover the 2026 line-ups paying tribute to Antonio Ordóñez in a dreamlike Goyesca.

The sound of trumpets will once again cut through the air of the Serranía. After two years of enforced silence due to structural restoration works, the Real Maestranza de Caballería of Ronda reopens its gates for the 2026 Pedro Romero Fair. The wait is over: the cradle of modern bullfighting is alive again.

It has not been an easy absence. Since structural issues were identified in 2024, the city has waited patiently while architects reinforced the foundations of one of Spain’s most beautiful landmarks.

In 2026, the return of bullfighting is more than just another date in the calendar; it is an act of historical significance, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of Antonio Ordóñez taking his alternativa—an essential figure in understanding the mystique of this arena.

Line-up of the 2026 Pedro Romero Fair

Francisco Rivera Ordóñez has designed a weekend that blends emerging talent with established masters:

Friday, 4 September (6:00 pm):
The programme opens with a novillada without picadors featuring bulls from Aguadulce. Young prospects Jaime de Pedro, Armando Rojo and Héctor Nieto will have the honour of inaugurating the restored ring.

Saturday, 5 September (11:30 am):
The morning is dedicated to equestrian bullfighting with the 42nd Ronda Rejones Corrida. Bulls from David Ribeiro Telles will be fought in a tribute to the legendary Álvaro Domecq Romero, with Rui Fernandes, Diego Ventura and Ferrer Martín on the bill.

Saturday, 5 September (6:00 pm):
The highlight of the fair: the 67th Traditional Goyesca Corrida. Featuring bulls from Santiago Domecq, the line-up brings together three exponents of artistic bullfighting:

Morante de la Puebla: The genius from La Puebla returns to Ronda as the central figure of this long-awaited comeback. A major attraction whose presence defines the event.
José María Manzanares: Style and composure perfectly suited to this arena. Elegance and experience for a demanding afternoon.
Juan Ortega: The embodiment of Sevillian artistry, making his debut in this iconic setting. Purity and grace complete a dream line-up.

For such a significant return, the selection of cattle has been meticulous, seeking the perfect balance between bravery and nobility required by a venue of this stature. The Aguadulce novillos will open the fair on Friday, offering a platform for emerging talents. On Saturday morning, the Portuguese-bred bulls of David Ribeiro Telles will bring their recognised quality to the rejones contest.

However, all eyes are on the Santiago Domecq bulls for the Goyesca afternoon. The Cádiz-based breeder is currently enjoying a strong run, with awards at major fairs for the bravery and performance of his bulls—ensuring the clash between Morante, Manzanares and Ortega has the ideal conditions for success.

The public response has been unanimous. Ronda is preparing once again to become a living canvas of Goya: horse-drawn carriages, traditional dress and that unique atmosphere found only on the edge of its dramatic gorge. Bullfighting returns home. The stone of the Maestranza will resonate once more, and Ronda, at last, becomes itself again.

José Miguel Arruego

Bullfighting Journalist

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