Valencia Review – 19 May 2026

Valencia’s bullring hosted an afternoon full of youth, enthusiasm and promise during the traditional novillada held for the Virgen de los Desamparados celebrations. The clear standout performer was Mexican novillero Ignacio Garibay, who enjoyed a memorable debut at the Valencia arena by leaving through the Puerta Grande after cutting one ear from each of his Chamaco novillos.

With a pleasant atmosphere and around one-third of the seats occupied, the Chamaco novillos generally offered noble and manageable performances, giving all three young bullfighters opportunities to shine. The fifth animal stood out as the best and most complete novillo of the afternoon.

Garibay showed ambition and confidence from the very beginning. His first novillo, the third of the afternoon, proved demanding in the early stages, measuring its charges carefully and forcing the young Mexican to fully commit himself. Garibay responded with determination and gradually built a faena based on courage and commitment.

His best moments came on the left hand, where he produced elegant and flowing natural passes before shortening the distance in a tight and emotional closing section that connected strongly with the Valencia crowd. After an effective sword thrust, he was awarded the first ear of the afternoon.

The decisive triumph arrived with the sixth novillo, an animal with greater rhythm and quality in the muleta. Garibay took full advantage of the novillo’s conditions and produced his most complete work of the day, especially through linked and well-tempered series that brought loud cheers from the stands.

The young Mexican looked increasingly settled and confident as the faena developed, finishing his performance with authority and composure. Another effective sword thrust secured a second ear and a triumphant exit through the Puerta Grande in what became a dream debut in Valencia.

Félix San Román also delivered a noteworthy performance. He received an ovation after his first novillo and completed a lap of honour after the fifth following a serious and committed faena against the best animal of the afternoon. The request for an ear, however, was not strong enough for the president to award the trophy.

Meanwhile, Alberto Donaire showed commitment and willingness throughout the event. The Valencia-born novillero received an ovation after the opening novillo, although problems with the sword prevented a possible reward. His second novillo offered fewer possibilities and he was met with silence.

Overall, the novillada left positive impressions among the Valencia crowd and confirmed Ignacio Garibay as one of the young names to follow after an important success in a demanding arena such as Valencia.