Valencia, 8 March 2025 – The 2025 Fallas Fair began with a novillada with picadors, where Aarón Palacio, Marco Pérez, and Juan Alberto Torrijos each took home a trophy against a Talavante bullfight that started well but faded as the afternoon progressed. The first two bulls set the standard for the evening, allowing the young matadors to display their best versions.

From the outset, Aarón Palacio impressed with his composure and variety with the cape. The opening bull responded with class, enabling the novillero to craft a performance of poise, low-handed passes, and long finishing chest passes. His left-hand work also displayed great depth. The sword denied him further rewards, but after a failed thrust and a well-placed estocada, he secured the first ear of the fair. With his second bull, he showed courage and determination, beginning on his knees with his right hand. However, the bull’s rough temperament made things difficult, and despite his persistence, he faltered with the sword and had to settle for a salute from the tercio.

Marco Pérez shone in his first performance of the day, delivering a right-hand-dominated faena with flawless positioning and exquisite timing. His smooth style helped the bull improve throughout, allowing him to weave together deeply engaging series. A superb estocada ignited calls for a double trophy, but the president only granted one ear. His second opponent lacked momentum, forcing Pérez to compensate with close-quarters engagement and unwavering effort. His work resonated with the crowd, but a misplaced thrust before the final estocada limited the call for trophies to a warm ovation.

The most daring of the trio was Juan Alberto Torrijos, who greeted both his bulls with a portagayola. He faced two demanding bulls and tackled them with remarkable resolve. His finest moment came with the sixth bull, which showed greater repetition and transmission. Torrijos connected well on both sides, producing linked series that electrified the stands. A powerful, lethal estocada earned him an ear, with strong calls for a second.