This Thursday night, the Bullfighting Festival in honor of the Virgin of Macarena took place with great success, benefiting the Dr. Rafael Henao Toro Children’s Hospital.
Following the procession of the Virgin, the celebration began with eight bulls from the Ernesto Gutiérrez Ranch, uneven in presentation and performance. The first bull stood out, earning applause during its drag, while the second was pardoned by Sebastián Castella.
Antonio Ferrera cut two ears after captivating the audience with a complete performance, excelling in the three phases: picadors, banderillas, and muleta. He concluded with a near-instant sword thrust, earning the bull applause during its drag.
Sebastián Castella showcased his mastery, making bullfighting appear effortless. With elegance, he welcomed the bull with the cape, connecting with the audience from the first pass. The bull displayed great transmission and nobility, which Castella handled with poise, delivering increasingly powerful series. The call for a pardon was overwhelming, and it was granted, awarding him two symbolic ears.
The third bull, fought by Cristóbal Pardo, had limited strength but provided sufficient play. The Colombian matador handled the banderilla phase, delivering a solid performance. With a well-placed sword thrust, he cut one ear.
Alejandro Talavante faced the fourth bull, which quickly lost its strength. Nevertheless, he demonstrated skill with hand changes on the muleta, showcasing quality on the right horn. After one attempt, a sword thrust earned him one ear.
Daniel Luque faced the most challenging bull of the evening, which lacked potential. Despite the difficulties, he exhibited determination, cutting one ear.
It was not Emilio de Justo’s season. He greeted the sixth bull with tight, heartfelt veronicas. With the muleta, he crafted slow series of right-handed passes, including a stunning long trench pass. However, the bull stuck to the boards, and a slightly misplaced sword thrust prevented a trophy, earning him applause from the crowd.
Román faced a bull with no options, receiving two warnings, and the bull was jeered during its drag.
The young matador Felipe Negret surprised everyone with a polished technique and significant improvements in his style. He dominated the evening’s most noble bull. Although seeking a pardon, a precise sword thrust secured the gateway to glory with two ears.
All proceeds from the festival will be donated entirely to the Children’s Hospital, supporting its invaluable work for the children of the Caldas Department.
