The Great July Fair 2026 in Valencia: summary, best performances and bullfighting awards

03/11/2026

The 2026 Valencia July Fair: Summary, Best Performances, and Bullfighting Awards
Samuel Navalón became the star of the 2026 Valencia July Fair after cutting three ears and exiting through the main gate. Marco Polope, the bull Tulipán from the Juan Pedro Domecq ranch, and the assistant bullfighter Curro Javier completed the list of winners in an edition that brought together established bullfighting figures and promising young talents in the Valencian arena.

The 2026 Valencia July Fair concluded on Sunday, July 19, after four days of bullfighting events, preceded by an evening dedicated to popular entertainment. The series once again placed the Valencia bullring at the center of the bullfighting world, with lineups featuring names such as Roca Rey, Alejandro Talavante, José María Manzanares, Daniel Luque, Román, Nek Romero, and Samuel Navalón.

The big winner was the Valencian bullfighter Samuel Navalón, who gave an outstanding performance on Saturday, July 18th, against the bulls of El Torero. His three ears and the triumph of being carried out on the shoulders of the crowd confirmed his excellent form and consolidated his leading role in the Valencian bullfighting season, following his victory at the Fallas Festival.

The festival also saw Marco Polope recognized for the best performance by a novice bullfighter, the bull Tulipán, from Juan Pedro Domecq, as the best bull, and Curro Javier as the best assistant. The award for best ranch was not given.

Samuel Navalón, the best performance of the July Festival
The afternoon of July 18th was the highlight of the season. Samuel Navalón shared the bill with Diego Urdiales and Daniel Luque, facing bulls from El Torero.

The bullfighter from Ayora cut one ear from the third bull of the afternoon and both from the sixth, earning three trophies and exiting through the main gate. His performance was marked by dedication, composure, and courage in the face of a demanding bullfight.

With his first bull, Navalón had to overcome a complicated and violent charge. His persistence and ability to remain steadfast in the face of difficulties added excitement to a highly committed performance. The culminating moment came with the sixth bull, which he greeted with a long, sweeping pass at the gate and worked with the muleta low, particularly excelling with his right hand. He finished the performance with tight bernardinas and a sword thrust that earned him both ears.

The performance earned him the award for best matador performance, granted by the jury of the Provincial Council of Valencia. Daniel Luque also gave a significant performance and cut an ear, while Diego Urdiales received an ovation for his second bull.

Roca Rey and Talavante shine in the Juan Pedro Domecq bullfight
On Friday, July 17, the second bullfight featured José María Manzanares, Alejandro Talavante, and Roca Rey, with bulls from the Juan Pedro Domecq ranch.

Alejandro Talavante earned an ear after a performance based on composure and fluidity, taking advantage of the mobility of his first bull. Roca Rey also earned an ear after a highly intense performance against the sixth bull, with a powerful display, especially on the right side, and a thrilling close-quarters finish.

The Peruvian bullfighter even requested a second trophy, but the judges only awarded one ear. The performance, however, played a significant role in the afternoon, and the bull that starred in it, Tulipán, was later recognized as the best of the fair.

Manzanares failed to win any trophies on a day in which the bulls' behavior limited the chances of the three matadors.

Román and Nek Romero Open the Fair with an Ear Each
The July Fair began on Thursday, July 16th, with a mixed bullfight. Román and Nek Romero fought bulls from José Enrique Fraile of Valdefresno, while the novillera Olga Casado faced bulls from Montalvo.

Román stood out for his willingness and for a close-quarters performance with the fourth bull, from which he managed to cut an ear. He also showed moments of interest with his first bull, with linked passes and a closing series of bernardinas, although the request for a trophy was not granted.

Nek Romero also earned an ear. His performance included moments of fine natural bullfighting and a complete display with the fifth bull, in which he combined composure, fluidity, and skill to connect with the crowd.

Olga Casado, making her debut in the Valencia bullring, had few opportunities against bulls that offered little chance for a showy performance.

Marco Polope, Award for Best Bullfighter's Performance
On Sunday, July 19th, the bullfight with picadors that closed the fair was held, featuring bulls from the Talavante ranch for Álvaro Serrano, Julio Norte, and Marco Polope.

The final afternoon was marked by the uneven behavior of the young bulls. Álvaro Serrano took a lap of honor after his first performance, in a long and dedicated display, while Julio Norte also took a lap of honor after showing willingness with a bull that allowed for some interesting moments.

Marco Polope delivered the most artistically accomplished performance of the afternoon.

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