With a full house and emotion running high, matador Manuel Escribano delivered the much-anticipated opening address for the 2025 Hogueras Bullfighting Fair. A passionate speech full of gratitude, personal memories and devotion to Alicante officially launched one of Spain’s key taurine events of the year.
On the evening of 10 June, the city of Alicante celebrated the official opening of its Hogueras Fair with a stirring and memorable speech by bullfighter Manuel Escribano. Speaking from the stage of the Teatro Principal, Escribano reflected on his many triumphs—and even near tragedy—at Alicante’s Plaza de España, where he is set to face six bulls from the Victorino Martín ranch single-handedly on 28 June.
His address, structured in four distinct parts, blended personal reflections with historical references and a deep respect for the Alicante crowd. Phrases such as “I aspire to be a bullfighter of Alicante” and “bullfighting belongs to the people, without ideology” struck a powerful chord with the audience.
Among those in attendance were prominent local figures including Mayor Luis Barcala, Councillor Mari Carmen de España, and Pilar Tébar, Regional Secretary for Culture, along with major bullfighting personalities like Victorino Martín and Luis Francisco Esplá.
The evening was elegantly hosted by journalist José Germán Estela and featured musical performances by the Duo Mediterráneo and the Neira Santamaría company, creating a unique blend of spoken word and flamenco-inspired performance. The event once again placed bullfighting firmly at the heart of Alicante’s cultural calendar.
With this speech, the 2025 Hogueras Fair is now officially underway—and it’s drawing plenty of attention. Tickets are already on sale, and for some dates, such as the highly anticipated 28 June, availability is extremely limited. Fans are strongly advised to secure their seats as soon as possible to avoid missing out on one of the highlights of the summer bullfighting season.
Alicante, Escribano and Victorino. Together for the Hogueras Fair in Alicante.
José Miguel Arruego tells us
Make sure you get the best seat for the bullfighting fair of Las Hogueras de San Juan de Alicante. Servitoro is the official ticket office for bullfighting shows.
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