Spain's bullfighting sector reports record demand amid festival successes

The traditional bullfighting celebration in Segovia featured the debut of Madrid matador Fernando Adrián under the new management of Rafael Ayuso. Adrián earned three ears and the coveted Puerta Grande in his first appearance in the city, sharing the program with Diego Urdiales and Alejandro Talavante.

Antonio Bañuelos, president of the Real Unión de Criadores de Toros de Lidia, said the sector is experiencing its greatest bonanza. Youth interest, tourist visits to dehesas and a surge in festival attendance have driven demand for fighting bulls beyond the supply levels after the pandemic. Bañuelos highlighted the growing market for bull meat, generational renewal among breeders, and warned that EU Green parties are pushing legislation that could threaten the practice.