Pepe Moral Closes the Feria by the Puerta Grande with the Bulls of Miura

The final afternoon of the Feria de Abril in Seville had a vintage flavour: Miura bulls and three Andalusian toreros willing to risk it all. The atmosphere was steeped in tradition—and it didn’t disappoint. All three matadors began their bouts with portagayola passes (kneeling at the entrance gate), setting a tone of courage and drama from the start.

Manuel Escribano risked everything with his first bull, who charged fiercely after the long opening pass. The bull was loose and disengaged from the start, developing a cunning and dangerous style. On the left, he gave no room; on the right, he charged awkwardly with his head held high. Escribano placed the banderillas with determination, but despite his efforts, a lack of rhythm in the muleta (red cloth) work and a poor sword thrust left the crowd in silence.

He tried again with the fourth, again greeting the bull with a portagayola. His best moments came with the banderillas, executing an excellent sequence including a quiebro and a violin pass. The bull, however, was tough and inconsistent. Despite seeking depth on both sides, the animal offered little. Another failed sword attempt left him again in silence.

Pepe Moral also began on his knees with his first bull. After the tercio de varas, the bull seemed unpromising. However, Moral built the performance slowly, with care and finesse. He hid the animal’s flaws, lengthened the charges, and delivered clean, composed passes, especially on the right. A solid sword thrust secured the first ear of the afternoon.

The fifth was the standout bull of his lot. Another bold portagayola, followed by elegant verónicas and a kneeling media verónica worthy of a poster. In the muleta, the Miura bull responded nobly from both sides. Moral crafted a tight and polished performance, with long, well-finished passes, especially on the left where he drew classical naturales. The sword work was flawless. The crowd roared for two ears, though the president awarded only one. A thunderous victory lap followed.

Esaú Fernández, who also opened with portagayolas, had his best chance with the third bull—noble and classy. He delivered fluid series, particularly al natural, with the music underscoring the moment. A trophy was in sight, but the sword—a half-thrust and two descabellos—ruined the opportunity. An ovation after a warning was little reward for his fine effort.

The sixth bull told a different story: reluctant, defensive, and uncooperative. Esaú tried to build something on the left side, but the bull’s lack of drive made any success impossible. Despite his determination, there was no story to tell.

Six portagayolas, three Sevillian matadors, and Miura as the guest of honour. The 2025 Feria de Abril closed with the nostalgic taste of emotion, danger and authenticity. And with Pepe Moral symbolically carried out by the Puerta del Príncipe as the last great victor of the season.