Talavante shines in the festival that brings Sevilla’s bullfighting season to a close

The bullfighting season in Seville came to an end on 13 October with a packed crowd at the Real Maestranza de Caballería. The charity festival, held in homage to the legendary Vázquez dynasty and in aid of the brotherhoods of San Bernardo and El Amor, crowned Alejandro Talavante as the undisputed star of the evening.

The matador from Extremadura delivered a masterful and inspired performance with the second bull of the afternoon, a fine specimen from Domingo Hernández. With graceful natural passes and exquisite temple, Talavante built a work of art that grew in inspiration as the faena unfolded. The crowd, moved by both the torero and the bull’s exceptional quality, even called for an indulto (pardon). Talavante finally executed a perfect estocada and was awarded two ears, while the bull received a posthumous lap of honour.

Veteran El Cid opened the festival with a bull from Espartaco that caught him dramatically during the first tercio, forcing him to seek medical attention. His effort and composure were recognised with an ovation. The medical report confirmed a rib contusion without fracture, classified as a “less serious” injury.

Sevillian Juan Ortega had little luck with a lacklustre bull from Domingo Hernández, while Pablo Aguado managed to draw applause from the crowd thanks to his natural elegance, crafting a meritorious faena despite the bull’s poor transmission.

Manolo Vázquez, heir to the dynasty honoured at the event, showcased his classic style with the cape and began his faena with poise and good taste. However, the Espartaco bull lacked strength, and the performance, though correct and stylish, failed to connect fully with the crowd. Silence after a warning.

Javier Zulueta faced a bull from Talavante’s own brand, a manso that offered no chance for success. Closing the festival was the young novillero sin caballos Manuel Domínguez, who impressed the crowd with his composure and enthusiasm against an eral from El Parralejo, earning warm applause after a brave and spirited performance.