Badajoz Bullring Competition Shifts to Novilladas Without Picadors

The XIV Trofeo Diputación de Badajoz has changed its format, replacing practical classes with novilladas that will be held without picadors. The fourteen‑edition circuit begins on 1 August in Fregenal de la Sierra and runs through Herrera del Duque (13 August), Villanueva del Fresno (22 August) and Entrerríos (29 August), culminating in a grand final on 13 September in Higuera la Real with cattle from the Zalduendo herd.

Nine of the twelve participating novilleros come from the Badajoz School of Bullfighting, while the director‑artistic Luis Reinoso highlighted the involvement of the School of Villafranca de Xira from Portugal. Four of the five novilladas will be streamed online, including the final. Officials presented the change as a step toward greater professionalisation and a tool for young aspirants to enter the bullfighting world.