Valencia in July: The bastion that dethrones the myth of Las Fallas

The thrill of the bull awaits you at Valencia’s July Fair! Combine your passion with Mediterranean beaches and exceptional gastronomy – the perfect plan for a perfect summer!

When you think of bullfighting in Valencia, the first thing that comes to mind is Las Fallas. It’s a common historical misconception. In reality, as confirmed by the archives of the Provincial Council of Valencia, the July Fair has long been the most important and prestigious bullfighting cycle in the capital of the Turia.

Created in 1871 to revitalise the summer economy and prevent Valencians from fleeing the heat, it quickly became the epicentre of the season. It was only many years later that Las Fallas grew under the umbrella of the popular festivities in March. But July was born for the bull, and because of the bull.

For decades, this cycle featured more events, presented the most serious bullfights and attracted the greatest figures of the bullfighting world. It also boasts the appeal of the traditional desencajonada, and triumphing in Valencia in July granted the definitive prestige needed to lead the season.

Although modern trends have consolidated Las Fallas as the city’s major fair, the San Jaime cycle has lost some of its dominance but retains all its tradition and interest. This year it opens on Wednesday, 15 July at 22:00 with the traditional desencajonada and an exciting livestock challenge between Arriazu’s capones (Navarrese breed) and cattle from the Valencian Community.

From there, the fair unveils its stellar line-ups in the afternoon (19:30):

Thursday, 16 July (Mixed Bullfight)

Local passion bursts forth in a line-up full of Valencian identity. A livestock challenge by José Enrique Fraile de Valdefresno and Montalvo will be fought by the returning local hero Román and the rising Nek Romero, accompanied by the determination of the young novillera Olga Casado.

Friday, 17 July (Bullfight)

The highlight of the cycle and one of the great events of the summer. The tenth anniversary of Andrés Roca Rey. debut in this arena is celebrated. The Peruvian colossus returns to the ring where he has achieved ten Puertas Grandes, facing off in a highly anticipated mano a mano with the classic style of José María Manzanares and the powerful creativity of Alejandro Talavante, with bulls from Juan Pedro Domecq Juan Pedro Domecq.

Saturday, 18 July (Bullfight)

A treat for the true aficionado. The unmistakable aroma and mastery of Diego Urdiales meet the undeniable maturity of Daniel Luque and the overwhelming force of local rising star, Samuel Navalón, Fallas’ triumphant torero, fighting an impressive bullfight from El Torero.

Sunday, 19 July (Novillada with Picadors)

The golden finale focuses on the future of bullfighting, with a Talavante encierro destined for young talents Álvaro Serrano, Julio Norte, The golden finale focuses on the future of bullfighting, with a Talavante encierro destined for young talents Álvaro Serrano Marco Polope, the most promising local novillero of the moment.

The perfect pairing: Bullfighting, beach and fine gastronomy

Attending Valencia’s July Fair is not just going to a bullfight; it is treating yourself to a complete sensory experience in the heart of the Mediterranean. The city’s offerings turn the trip into the perfect summer holiday. Valencia’s excellent transport network allows you to spend the morning under the sun at Malvarrosa or Las Arenas beach and reach the bullring surroundings in just minutes.

Local gastronomy is the ideal prelude to the midday draw. Valencia offers everything from traditional wood-fired paella from the Albufera to avant-garde restaurants in Ruzafa or El Carmen, paired with local wines (D.O. Valencia and Utiel-Requena) and finished with an ice-cold horchata.

Sorolla’s light floods the afternoons, the sea breeze softens the heat in the stands as the sun sets, and the atmosphere around the bullring pulses with a passion unmatched by any other summer fair.

The combination of top-level bullfighting and Mediterranean charm creates a setting no aficionado should miss. Plan your dates, choose your afternoon and secure your seat in the stands on Calle de Játiva. Valencia awaits you with open doors.