On May 9, 2025, the Feria de San Isidro kicked off at the iconic Plaza de toros de Las Ventas in Madrid, marked by a 'no hay billetes' (sold out) sign that promised an electric atmosphere. The event featured a lineup of bulls from the Victoriano del Río ranch, with Alejandro Talavante, Juan Ortega, and the newly confirmed bullfighter Clemente taking center stage. This opening event, known as the feria of ferias, set the tone for what promises to be an exciting series of bullfighting events.
The first bull of the day, Forajido, was brought out for Clemente's alternativa confirmation. The French bullfighter made a strong impression, showcasing bravery and skill. He began with a brief but elegant cape work, connecting with the audience right from the start. As he transitioned to the muleta, Clemente demonstrated a good command of the bull, particularly on the right side, where the animal responded well. However, a dramatic moment occurred when he was tossed by Forajido, leaving the crowd gasping. Fortunately, Clemente emerged unscathed, though he struggled with the sword, resulting in an ovation with greetings rather than a full score.
Next up was Alejandro Talavante, who faced Bochornoso. Unfortunately, this bull lacked the strength needed for an engaging performance, and despite Talavante's efforts, the audience did not connect with the fight. His attempts were marked by some stylish moments, but ultimately, the lack of energy from the bull led to a disappointing silence from the crowd.
Juan Ortega then stepped into the ring with Cangrejero. The Triana-born bullfighter impressed with his initial cape work, executing beautiful verónicas that excited the spectators. However, his subsequent performance with the muleta lacked continuity, and the energy began to wane. Just as the crowd was losing hope, Ortega found his footing and delivered a stunning series of passes that earned him the first solid applause of the day. Despite this, the performance ended without a significant score due to a missed opportunity with the sword.
The fourth bull, Misterio, was a turning point for Talavante. He received the bull with a brief but elegant cape work before transitioning into a masterful performance with the muleta. Talavante found his rhythm, displaying an exquisite understanding of the bull's movements. The audience was captivated as he executed his passes with grace and precision, culminating in a powerful finale that earned him two ears from the president of the event. This marked a triumphant return to form for the seasoned bullfighter, who has faced ups and downs in his career.
Juan Ortega returned to the ring with Ebanista, but this bull proved challenging. Ortega's attempts to connect were thwarted by the bull's unwillingness to engage, leading him to shorten his performance. The crowd appreciated his honesty in recognizing the situation and opting for a quick conclusion rather than forcing an ineffective fight.
Clemente faced the final bull, Soleares, but the lack of strength in the animal hindered his efforts. Despite his determination to impress, the bull's condition limited the excitement of the performance. Clemente showed commendable spirit but ultimately finished the day with a silent exit.
The event concluded with Talavante celebrating his Puerta Grande achievement, a testament to his enduring talent and ability to rise to the occasion. This marked his sixth Puerta Grande, reinforcing his status as one of the top bullfighters in the arena. The audience left buzzing with excitement, eager for the next installment of the Feria de San Isidro, set to continue with more thrilling performances.
Overall, the opening of the Feria de San Isidro 2025 showcased a mix of promising talent and challenging circumstances. Talavante's return to form, Clemente's brave confirmation, and Ortega's flashes of brilliance provided a captivating experience for all in attendance. With the first event in the books, anticipation builds for the upcoming battles in the ring, where more stories will unfold in the world of bullfighting.
