The 2026 Málaga Bullfighting Fair marks the beginning of a new chapter under the management of Tauroemoción, led by Alberto García, who will oversee the historic La Malagueta Bullring for the next five years. This inaugural season coincides with the celebration of the bullring’s 150th anniversary, making it a landmark edition of one of Spain’s most prestigious bullfighting festivals, widely regarded as the country’s third most important fair in terms of scale and significance.
Watching a bullfight at La Malagueta is far more than simply attending a spectacle. Its privileged location beside the Mediterranean Sea, its striking Neo-Mudéjar architecture and the golden evening light of August create one of the most beautiful settings in the world of bullfighting. For its first season in charge, Tauroemoción has assembled a programme built around maximum competition, featuring double appearances by several of today’s leading matadors while restoring the diversity of Spain’s most renowned fighting bull bloodlines with the return of legendary breeders to the Costa del Sol.
The 2026 season ticket package includes ten official events: seven bullfights, one rejoneo (horseback bullfighting) event and two picador-supported novilladas featuring the next generation of matadors. The fair opens on Sunday 9 August with a novillada with picadors, reflecting Tauroemoción’s commitment to promoting emerging talent during Málaga’s most important festive week. A second novillada follows on 14 August, before the main bullfighting programme begins.
One of this year’s major innovations is the “Sabor a Málaga” Bullfight, to be held on 15 August. This special event celebrates the close connection between bullfighting, local gastronomy and the cultural identity of Málaga Province. Alongside an attractive line-up, it also serves to showcase and support home-grown matadors.
On Sunday 16 August, the spotlight turns to rejoneo, with an outstanding horseback bullfighting event featuring leading practitioners of the discipline. This has become one of the Costa del Sol’s traditional highlights, combining horsemanship, classical riding techniques and spectacular performances that consistently attract both local enthusiasts and the many international visitors spending their summer in Málaga.
Another of the fair’s headline attractions comes on Monday 17 August with the Málaga CF Tribute Bullfight. Bulls from the prestigious Juan Pedro Domecq ranch will be fought by Sebastián Castella, Daniel Luque and David de Miranda in an event designed to strengthen the connection between bullfighting and one of the city’s most iconic sporting institutions.
On Tuesday 18 August, the focus shifts to the next generation with the Youth Bullfight. Created to attract new audiences through special ticket prices, this event brings together ambitious young matadors eager to establish themselves alongside some of the sport’s leading names.
The fair reaches another high point on 19 and 20 August with two outstanding line-ups. The first features Alejandro Talavante, Emilio de Justo and Roca Rey facing bulls from Victoriano del Río, while the following day Morante de la Puebla, Diego Urdiales and Fortes take on the renowned Núñez del Cuvillo bloodline. These are two of the most eagerly anticipated afternoons for seasoned bullfighting enthusiasts.
On Friday 21 August, one of the most significant events of the fair takes place with the long-awaited return of the legendary Victorino Martín fighting bulls to Málaga after twelve years away. Regarded as one of Spain’s most iconic breeders, Victorino’s comeback is one of the defining moments of the 2026 season. The line-up of Manuel Escribano, Emilio de Justo and Fortes brings together three specialists renowned for their courage, technical excellence and ability to triumph with demanding bulls.
The fair concludes on Saturday 22 August with its most prestigious event and undoubtedly the biggest attraction of the entire festival. Morante de la Puebla, Roca Rey and David de Miranda will face bulls from Torrealta and Garcigrande in a spectacular finale that reunites Morante’s unrivalled artistry with the power and determination of the Peruvian superstar Roca Rey, alongside the deserved return of David de Miranda after his recent successes.
This extraordinary bullfight forms the centrepiece of the 150th Anniversary celebrations of La Malagueta Bullring. Designed as a tribute to one of Andalusia’s most important architectural and cultural landmarks, it brings together the leading figures of modern bullfighting in a fitting celebration of a century and a half of history.
In every respect, the 2026 Málaga Bullfighting Fair promises to be an essential event for anyone passionate about bullfighting and Spanish culture. The combination of La Malagueta’s 150th anniversary, Tauroemoción’s exciting new management and a carefully crafted programme balancing established stars, legendary breeders and emerging young talent makes this one of the most attractive festivals of the Spanish bullfighting season.
Experiencing the excitement of bullfighting in such an exceptional setting is both an emotional and aesthetic privilege that no true aficionado should miss this year. Everything is in place on the Costa del Sol for a memorable edition of the Málaga Fair, making it the perfect time to secure your seats at La Malagueta and enjoy some of the finest bullfighting of the season.
