The Algeciras Royal Fair 2026, scheduled to take place between June 24 and 27, has undergone significant modifications in its bullfighting program. The most notable change is the inclusion of the La Palmosilla ranch, originally from Tarifa and owned by the Núñez Cervera family, replacing Carlos Núñez's ranch. The latter did not have a suitable bullfight for the Las Palomas bullring, while La Palmosilla returns after its successful participation in the previous edition.
The ranch alteration has created a domino effect on the other lineups. The so-called artistic bullfighters' poster, featuring Alejandro Talavante, Juan Ortega, and Pablo Aguado, will now fight bulls from Zalduendo instead of Torrealta. This decision is based on Zalduendo's excellent performance at the recent Magdalena Fair in Castellón and the acquisition of the original Torrealta bullfight by Roca Rey for an engagement in Lima.
The overseers have been finalizing the selection of the cattle for the Royal Fair, a process in which doubts arose about the presentation of the Torrealta bullfight, especially whether the available enclosure would meet the requirements for a second-category bullring like Algeciras. Currently, various options are being considered, from maintaining the bullfight with possible adjustments to incorporating cattle from another ranch to form a mixed enclosure.
The Algeciras Royal Fair 2026 already has its bullfighting posters almost defined after a last-minute movement that has slightly altered the initial design of the cycle.
The definitive lineups are as follows: a bullfight on horseback from La Castilleja for Sergio Galán, Lea Vicens, and Guillermo Hermoso de Mendoza; the Zalduendo bullfight for Alejandro Talavante, Juan Ortega, and Pablo Aguado; the La Palmosilla bullfight for Sebastián Castella, Daniel Luque, and Emilio de Justo; and, in principle, the Torrealta bullfight for David Galván, Tomás Rufo, and Marco Pérez.
This edition marks the beginning of a new management at the Las Palomas bullring, led by businessman Enrique Luján, at the helm of Euro Tauro Luján. The contract, signed on March 11 with the Algeciras City Council, represents a challenge for Luján, whose career had primarily developed in third-category bullrings. To face this challenge, he has collaborated with retired bullfighter Jorge Arellano.
The official presentation of the posters will take place next Tuesday, April 14, at the Paco de Lucía Interpretation Center at 7:30 PM. The poster design will be the work of Algeciras painter Juan Sierra. Despite the novelties, the absence of Morante de la Puebla, a highly attractive figure for the public, is a focal point. Although he will not be in Algeciras, his possible performance in La Línea de la Concepción in July is being considered. Roca Rey will also not participate in this season at Las Palomas.
