Some Veronicas as a Tribute to the Dove

José Antonio Morante Camacho will return to the Monumental de las Ventas in Madrid on October 12, exactly one year after his dramatic exit from the ring during a performance that shook the bullfighting world. The decision was confirmed this Monday by Morante himself, who informed Rafael Garrido, president of Plaza 1, the company managing Madrid’s iconic bullring, of his choice. The lineup has been finalized with the inclusion of Aarón Palacio and Mexican torero Héctor Gutiérrez, both set to face bulls from the Garcigrande and Cuvillo ranches. The announcement comes just days after Morante achieved a historic milestone by drawing four consecutive sell-out crowds in El Puerto de Santa María. This success has positioned him as a major figure in the bullfighting scene, with an intense schedule ahead as August approaches. His return to Madrid had long been anticipated, though he initially hesitated due to personal considerations. However, Morante ultimately decided to accept the offer driven by a desire to “write history” through his performances. Morante's previous appearance at Las Ventas in three separate performances left a lasting impact, including two times carried out on his shoulders and a memorable act during the Press Corrida on May 28. Since deciding to make his comeback on Easter Sunday in Seville, as previously reported by this newspaper on January 21, Plaza 1 has worked tirelessly to bring him back to Madrid. Despite missing the San Isidro fair, the timing was deemed appropriate for the upcoming autumn fair, which eagerly awaited his presence to conclude the season in grand style. Rafael García Garrido, president of Plaza 1, had already secured Morante’s participation for October 9, alongside Roca Rey and Tomás Rufo, with bulls from Álvaro Núñez in Valencia. However, the contract for October 12 has now been finalized, marking it as a pivotal date in the season. Morante will confirm Aarón Palacio’s status as a matador, the young Aragonese talent who has emerged as a promising new generation star in 2026. Palacio has performed alongside Morante in several cities, including Santander and Marbella, and now stands on the brink of confirming his debut as a fully-fledged matador under Morante’s guidance. Palacio expressed his excitement about the opportunity, stating that being able to perform with Morante would be a highlight of his career. He emphasized the significance of this moment, noting that it would allow him to tell future generations that he had shared the ring with the greatest torero in history. Palacio’s journey as a matador has been marked by consistent performances across multiple venues, including Logroño, Zaragoza, Sevilla, Pamplona, Santander, and Marbella. His recent appearances have garnered attention and praise from fans and critics alike. The anticipation surrounding Morante’s return to Las Ventas is palpable, especially given the emotional weight of his previous visit. His artistic peak has reached a point where he achieves feats once thought impossible, demonstrating unwavering commitment, skill, and belief in his craft. As the date of October 12 approaches, the bullfighting community awaits to see how the public will receive Morante, a question that continues to intrigue and unsettle him. In Cuenca, preparations are underway for Morante’s double appearance during the San Julián fair, generating heightened interest and increased ticket sales. The city expects a surge in visitors, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for Morante’s performances. His presence in Cuenca marks a historical occasion, as no other torero has previously been scheduled for two performances within the same fair, except for Miguel Ángel Perera. As the season progresses, the focus shifts toward the culmination of these efforts on October 12. With Morante’s return to Las Ventas, the stage is set for another unforgettable chapter in the annals of bullfighting history.