Córdoba’s Double Challenge

The 2026 Feria de la Salud brings together youth and experience, leading figures and local matadors, resulting in a highly season ticket. A perfect blend across two weekends that makes Córdoba the ideal place to enjoy bullfighting in spring.

Córdoba is preparing for an exciting May, structured around two major stages. The 2026 Feria de Nuestra Señora de la Salud embraces a dynamic format, concentrating the peak of bullfighting intensity into two consecutive weekends, making Los Califas an especially appealing destination.

From the opening of the cycle in mid-May to the grand finale that brings the fair to a close, the Ciudad Jardín bullring offers a steady flow of highlights, allowing the passion for bullfighting to unfold at the calm and elegant pace that only Córdoba can bring to its festive calendar.

This format is no coincidence; it responds to a clear strategy aimed at refreshing the fair and maximising the impact of each event. The goal is twofold: firstly, to ensure that the busiest days — weekends — coincide with the peak moments of the celebrations, avoiding the drop in attendance often seen during weekdays.

Secondly, this structure allows both enthusiasts and visitors to plan their trip in two distinct “rounds”: an opening phase, typically focused on emerging talents and local prospects, and a closing stage, where the main attractions and leading figures take centre stage. This approach keeps the atmosphere and anticipation alive throughout the city for longer, turning the fair into the backbone of Córdoba’s May celebrations rather than a fleeting event.

The first stage of the fair begins with a strong sense of identity and future. This opening block is designed to ignite local enthusiasm, placing the spotlight on rising talents and combinations that generate real excitement among local supporters.

The season opens with an interesting novillada with picadors on Saturday, 16 May. This is the moment for new talents, as Córdoba tests its prospects on a stage of great responsibility. Emiliano Osornio, Julio Norte and local matador Manuel Quintana will have the privilege of performing in this important arena, facing bulls from El Cotillo.

The first major highlight, featuring bulls from Juan Pedro Domecq, arrives on Sunday 17 May. The spotlight falls on Daniel Luque, currently in outstanding form, alongside David de Miranda, one of the most promising young matadors of the season, and Córdoba’s great local hope, Manuel Román. The blend of seasoned mastery and youthful elegance serves as a true measure of the city’s anticipation, building momentum for the major days ahead.

If the first weekend lights the fuse, the second delivers a full display of power and artistry, bringing together the most prestigious line-ups. On Friday 22 May, this second phase begins with a high-voltage combination. It features matadors who are reshaping the rankings, such as Borja Jiménez, alongside the phenomenon Marco Pérez — representing the immediate and unstoppable future of bullfighting — and Víctor Hernández, a matador poised to reach the very top through the strength of his authenticity. Bulls will be supplied by Núñez de Tarifa.

On Saturday 23 May, the elegance of mounted bullfighting takes centre stage. The spectacle of renowned rejoneadores such as Sergio Galán, Lea Vicens and Sebastián Fernández provides the perfect finale, filling the stands with an enthusiastic and family-friendly audience.

Finally, on Sunday 24 May, comes a true “Art Line-up”. Designed for the most refined tastes, this bill places aesthetics and purity at its core. With bulls from Domingo Hernández, names such as José María Manzanares, Juan Ortega and Pablo Aguado come together to offer an afternoon of slow, expressive bullfighting and unforgettable moments under the Córdoba sun.

The perfect conclusion to two weekends of exceptional intensity.