Morante's last lesson among the apotheosis of the others in El Puerto de Santa María

On Sunday, August 9, 2026, the Real Plaza de El Puerto de Santa María hosted its final bullfighting event of the season, drawing large crowds despite the heat. The event featured three bullfighters, Morante de la Puebla, Borja Jiménez, and David de Miranda, who were set to perform under the spotlight. The event was announced with the message “No hay billetes,” indicating that all tickets had been sold out. This marked the fourth time Morante de la Puebla would appear in the same venue this summer, following previous performances against bulls from Álvaro Núñez, Núñez del Cuvillo, and El Freixo. His performance was highlighted as one of the highlights of the summer bullfighting season. The event took place in the afternoon, with preparations already underway before the official start. The bulls for the day came from the Hermanos García Jiménez ranch, known for their Salamanca-based breeding and the influence of the Casa Matilla and Domecq bloodlines. The event was overseen by a panel of officials including D. Ignacio Vegas, who served as president, alongside veterinarians D. José Javier Moya, D. Carlos López, and D. Luis Díaz, along with advisor D. Marcos Cruz and government delegate D. Álvaro de Ory. Each bullfighter had their own team of assistants and support staff. For David de Miranda, his team included picadors Rafael Carbonell and Francisco Félix, banderilleros Fernando Pereira, Cándido Ruiz, and Julio López, and mozo de espadas Alfredo Fernández. His assistant was Terry de Trigueros. Borja Jiménez's team consisted of picadors Tito Sandoval and Vicente González, banderilleros Vicente Varela, Juan Carlos Rey, and Luis Blázquez, and mozo de espadas Sebastián Guerra, with Tití Campillo serving as his assistant. Morante de la Puebla’s team included picadors Germán González and Ángel Rivas, banderilleros Fernando del Toro, Juan José Domínguez, and José Mª Amores, and mozo de espadas Juan Carlos Morante, with Juan Manuel ‘Pistola’ as his assistant. David de Miranda, known for his hometown of Trigueros, had previously performed twice in Huelva during the 2026 Colombinas festival. He successfully managed two bulls, earning applause from the audience. Despite facing challenges with a bull that seemed less cooperative, he executed a close-range technique, nearly leading to injury but ultimately receiving both ears and the tail due to public demand. His performance was supported by his mentor, Enrique Ponce, and marked a peak in his career, especially since it coincided with the tenth anniversary of his alternative status as a bullfighter. Borja Jiménez, who celebrated eleven years of being a bullfighter in 2026, has achieved notable success, including three times being carried out of the arena on the shoulders of fans at Las Ventas. Known for handling various types of bulls, including the toughest ones, he has delivered impressive performances throughout the season. He recently participated in several events abroad, including in Mont-de-Marsan, Azpeitia, and Íscar, where he earned two ears from bulls of the Assunção Coimbra breed. Morante de la Puebla, appearing for the fourth time in El Puerto de Santa María, faced a challenging bull that did not provide the expected opportunities. However, he managed to execute a series of technical moves, showcasing his skill and control. Despite the difficulties, he received a standing ovation for his efforts. His performance was noted for its precision and elegance, even though the bull did not offer the ideal conditions for a perfect display. The event drew widespread attention, with many spectators traveling from different parts of Spain to attend the bullfight. The city of El Puerto de Santa María saw increased activity, with restaurants, hotels, and streets filled with visitors eager to experience the cultural spectacle. Morante de la Puebla's presence was particularly significant, contributing to the overall success and popularity of the event.