Morante and Seville: His Playground

Morante de la Puebla at the Maestranza: Five afternoons of art and passion

Once again, Morante de la Puebla is the heart of the season at Seville’s Real Maestranza. Here at Servitoro, we bring you the story of his unique relationship with the Andalusian bullring – a journey filled with ups and downs, but above all, with passion. He has five confirmed appearances this year – mark your calendar and get your tickets before it’s too late!

Seville saw it first. But of course – Morante belongs to Seville. From La Puebla, as he proudly declares. And it was in La Maestranza where they realised before any other great arena that this was no ordinary bullfighter. As a novice, he won ears, but above all, he had the rare ability to excite and inspire aficionados.

Beyond Andalusia, he claimed the Golden Shoe award and even exited through the grand gate of Madrid’s Las Ventas (his only time so far) during a festival. That’s why it was surprising that he took his alternative in Burgos during the San Pedro Fair, rather than in one of the most prestigious bullrings.

Nevertheless, when he made his debut as a matador in Seville’s El Baratillo ring during the April Fair of 1998, Morante made an immediate impact. He cut both ears from a bull by Gavira in a perfectly measured performance, setting himself up for the following year (1999), when he first unlocked the legendary Puerta del Príncipe. That day, he claimed three ears from a Guadalest bullfight alongside El Cordobés and Litri.

The 1999 season was a defining one for Morante. He seemed destined for greatness with just two years as a matador, and in 2000 he returned to Seville with that status. He even cut the ears from the first bull he faced that season, but the second, also by Victoriano del Río, inflicted one of the most severe gorings of his career just as he was beginning his faena with the ‘cartucho de pescao’ move.

That wound affected him deeply, more psychologically than physically. It took time for Morante to regain his confidence and to taste victory again in La Maestranza. The following years were difficult, and even after a strong 2003 season, he was absent from the 2004 Seville Fair. He returned in 2005, but it wasn’t until 2007 that he truly rekindled his bond with the crowd. That year, after a frustrating first bull, he met his second one at the ring’s entrance and delivered a masterful performance. Yet, despite cutting its ears, he bitterly remarked: ‘I had to go to the bullring gate to earn their respect.’

Unfavourable bulls, some underappreciated performances – like his 2009 masterpiece with a Juan Pedro bull – and his stunning handling of a Victorino bull that same year led some critics (yes, even Morante has detractors) to question his rapport with this bullring.

But then came the golden years. It all started with a sublime performance in the 2016 April Fair, followed by masterful fights against Juan Pedro bulls in the San Miguel Fair, Domingo Hernández bulls at Manuel Perera’s alternative, and many more. A triumphant Morante, now the core of Seville’s season, with an audience that passionately, wholeheartedly, and unconditionally adores him.

Then came 2023, when, for the first time in 52 years, a matador cut a tail in Seville’s Maestranza. Facing ‘Ligerito’ from Domingo Hernández, Morante delivered a flawless performance from the first cape move to the final sword thrust, earning the highest possible trophies and his second exit through the Puerta del Príncipe. It was confirmation, if any were needed, that we are witnessing a living legend of bullfighting.

That is why every fight, every evening, every moment with Morante must be cherished. Especially in his own bullring. Because, with all due respect to Madrid’s Las Ventas, Seville’s Maestranza is his playground.

Morante’s 2025 confirmed fights in Seville:

Easter Sunday, 20th April – Núñez del Cuvillo bulls for Morante de la Puebla, Talavante, and Daniel Luque.
Thursday, 1st May – Domingo Hernández bulls for Morante de la Puebla, Juan Ortega, and Pablo Aguado.
Monday, 5th May – Hnos. García Jiménez – Olga Jiménez bulls for Morante de la Puebla, José María Manzanares, and Talavante.
Friday, 9th May – Garcigrande bulls for Morante de la Puebla, Daniel Luque, and Tomás Rufo.
Sunday, 28th September – Núñez del Cuvillo bulls for Morante de la Puebla, Roca Rey, and Javier Zulueta (alternative).

Secure your tickets now and witness a true master of bullfighting in his element!