Zaragoza: The Miracle of El Pilar

The 2026 Feria del Pilar is far more than simply another series of bullfights; it is a statement of strength and a reaffirmation of a bullring that has come close to being swallowed up by bureaucracy.

After a difficult year on the administrative front, during which offices and political disputes kept the doors of La Misericordia closed, putting this season package together takes on an almost miraculous significance.

Reopening the bullring after months of institutional deadlock called for a decisive response, and Casa Matilla has delivered what, on paper, is one of the strongest fairs of recent years.

The main attraction of the series is the strength of its line-ups. There are no obvious gaps: all the leading names in contemporary bullfighting are present, with the added attraction of Morante appearing twice. At a time when the fragmentation of the bullfighting circuit and negotiations behind the scenes often leave season packages lacking some of their biggest names, Zaragoza has managed to assemble an exceptional line-up with virtually no significant omissions.

Alongside the appeal of the established stars comes the undeniable importance of home-grown talent. Aragón is enjoying an especially strong period for bullfighters, reflected in the inclusion of the three leading Aragonese matadors of the moment. Their presence is not simply a nod to local tradition; it reflects their performances and achievements in the ring throughout the season.

The season package unfolds as follows:

Saturday 10 October

Novillada con picadores — novice bullfight with picadors. Bulls from Los Maños for Mario Vilau, Jesús Yglesias and David Sejas. The standout novice bullfighter of the year gets the fair underway, alongside two promising names and the demanding Santa Coloma bloodline of this local breeding operation.

Sunday 11 October

Bullfight. Bulls from Puerto de San Lorenzo and La Ventana del Puerto for José María Manzanares, Alejandro Talavante and Aragonese matador Cristiano Torres. It will be a major test for the young local matador, who faces two established figures who have played a major role in bullfighting over the past decades.

Monday 12 October — El Pilar Day

Bullfight. Bulls from Juan Pedro Domecq for Miguel Ángel Perera, Daniel Luque and David de Miranda. The centrepiece of the festivities features three of the most accomplished and versatile matadors on the current circuit.

Thursday 15 October

Bullfight. Bulls from Montalvo for Emilio de Justo, Borja Jiménez and Tomás Rufo. Three matadors in excellent form, representing the seriousness and success they have demonstrated in first-category bullrings throughout the season.

Friday 16 October

Bullfight. Bulls from Zalduendo for Sebastián Castella, Morante de la Puebla and Aragonese matador Aarón Palacio. An artistically charged line-up, combining the distinctive style of Morante de la Puebla with one of the region’s most promising young talents.

Saturday 17 October

Bullfight. Bulls from Garcigrande for Morante de la Puebla, making his second appearance, Alejandro Talavante and Iker Fernández “El Mene”, who will confirm his long-awaited alternative at this bullring, with leading figures of the profession alongside him.

Sunday 18 October

Rejoneo — mounted bullfighting. Bulls from Ángel Sánchez y Sánchez for Rui Fernandes, Diego Ventura and Duarte Fernandes. One of the leading names in modern rejoneo brings the season package to its equestrian finale.

Zaragoza therefore becomes the ultimate destination for bringing the bullfighting season to a close. Fans from Aragón and beyond have plenty of reasons to make their way to La Misericordia and round off the season in spectacular fashion.

The city itself, which celebrates the Fiestas del Pilar at this time of year, offers a setting that goes far beyond bullfighting. These nationally renowned festivities combine a rich programme of gastronomy, culture and entertainment, creating the perfect backdrop for a visit to Zaragoza.

It is also an opportunity to see that, despite the political and administrative obstacles that have threatened its future, bullfighting in Zaragoza remains very much alive, strong and ready to reclaim its place at the heart of the city’s cultural and festive calendar.