On Tuesday 25 August 2026, Almagro Bullring will celebrate the feast of Saint Bartholomew with a bullfight that has generated extraordinary anticipation. Anyone who decides not to take their seat that afternoon will miss one of the most exclusive and highly anticipated events of the summer in La Mancha.

Under the management of Funtausa, the historic bullring is hoping to fill its stands to capacity and recreate the atmosphere of the great occasions of the past, where the solemnity of the ritual, the gentle buzz of the traditional merienda and the passion of a demanding audience come together. It is undoubtedly the perfect excuse to be captivated by a city that is a true architectural gem, where stone, timber and history reveal themselves around every corner.

Packing your bags for this bullfighting event means immersing yourself in a spectacular architectural setting that deserves to be enjoyed at leisure before the clarion sounds. Almagro reveals its magic in its iconic Plaza Mayor, with its distinctive Flemish style and famous green-glazed galleries. Walking through its cobbled streets is like stepping back in time, discovering grand historic houses, the impressive Corral de Comedias — the only theatre of its kind in the world to have survived intact from the 17th century — and its magnificent convents. The bullring itself, with its distinctive traditional architecture and unique wooden stands dating from the mid-19th century, forms part of this extraordinary heritage, making a visit a visual delight for anyone who appreciates beauty and history.

Staying away from the bullring this August means missing out on one of the most striking contrasts in modern bullfighting. The line-up brings together three stars with radically different yet complementary styles, beginning with the unpredictable genius of Morante de la Puebla. The Sevillian matador brings his unique and unmistakable work with the cape, together with those baroque-inspired touches that, in themselves, are enough to justify the journey and the ticket for the most discerning aficionados.

Alongside him will be José María Manzanares, a member of one of bullfighting’s great dynasties who enjoys a special relationship with the local audience. He brings his unmistakable elegance, commanding presence with the muleta and formidable skill with the sword. Completing the line-up is Andrés Roca Rey, the leading figure of the current generation, whose calm courage and ability to draw huge crowds promise to deliver the most thrilling moments of the afternoon.

The experience continues at the table, as Almagro is equally capable of winning visitors over through its food, thanks to the hearty and authentic cuisine of La Mancha. The bullfighting afternoon is even better when preceded by some traditional Almagro aubergines, the great culinary emblem of the area. Local restaurants invite visitors to enjoy comforting pisto manchego — the traditional La Mancha vegetable dish — duelos y quebrantos, a classic dish made with eggs and pork products, or tiznao, a traditional dish featuring salted cod, all accompanied by excellent local wines.

The Cayetano Muñoz bulls, from a breeding line returning after one of its bulls was awarded an indulto (a pardon from being killed in the ring) last season, promise to provide the ideal ingredients to round off an afternoon that begins at the table and culminates in the arena.

Missing this combination of art, history, food and bullfighting would ultimately mean passing up one of the most complete and memorable summer getaways in the province of Ciudad Real.