Feria de Santiago 2026

Santander brings together the power and prestige of Victorino Martín and La Quinta cattle with Morante de la Puebla’s double appearance and the excitement generated by Roca Rey. A complete season ticket package for bullfighting enthusiasts from 18 to 25 July.

Spain’s northern coast hides a treasure that shines brightly every July. It is not only the sea, the lush green landscapes or the region’s outstanding gastronomy. For bullfighting enthusiasts, the true centre of the summer season is the Coso de Cuatro Caminos. The Feria de Santiago 2026

is not simply another option on the calendar; it is an essential event for anyone with a genuine passion for bullfighting.

Santander has managed to preserve its reputation as the leading bullring in northern Spain. While other historic fairs have lost momentum or changed direction, the Cantabrian capital remains a benchmark for seriousness, comfort and respect for tradition. Walking through the gates of Cuatro Caminos during the city’s summer celebrations means experiencing a unique atmosphere where the spirit of the Bay of Biscay meets the elegance of the bullring. Here, knowledgeable local fans and visitors from across Spain come together, creating an ambience unlike any other venue.

One of Santander’s greatest strengths is the variety of cattle breeders featured throughout the fair. For 2026, the organisers have once again achieved a careful balance: respected ranches that suit the leading matadors, while also including breeders prized by the more demanding torista supporters who seek excitement, challenge and unpredictability. Watching a bull charge in this arena, illuminated by the golden evening light of Santander, is a spectacle that alone justifies the journey.

The 2026 fair has not been built around repetitive combinations of the same names. Each afternoon offers an event with its own identity. From clashes between the biggest stars of modern bullfighting, who view Santander as a key stepping stone for the second half of the season, to ambitious young talents eager to prove themselves and secure their future. Success at Cuatro Caminos carries weight throughout the bullfighting world.

This year’s season ticket package, carefully designed by promoter Lances de Futuro, runs from 18 to 25 July and includes several major attractions. Morante de la Puebla will undoubtedly be one of the fair’s headline acts, appearing twice: on Wednesday 22 July alongside Juan Ortega, and again on Saturday 25 July in the traditional Beneficencia Bullfight, sharing the bill with rising star Marco Pérez. Another must-see event comes on Friday 24 July, when the sport’s biggest contemporary attraction, Andrés Roca Rey will witness the alternative ceremony (alternativa) of the promising young matador Tomás Bastos, marking his official promotion to full matador status.

For those seeking maximum intensity and emotion, Thursday 23 July will be unmissable. The renowned grey bulls of Victorino Martín famous for their challenge and character, will test the courage and skill of Manuel Escribano and Tomás Rufo.

The fair also begins strongly with a novillada (bullfight featuring trainee matadors) from the Montealto ranch on Saturday 18 July, followed by a rejoneo event (bullfighting on horseback) featuring Guillermo Hermoso de Mendoza on Sunday 19 July. On Monday 20 July, fans can look forward to the highly anticipated La Quinta bullfight, with Román and Samuel Navalón on the bill. The programme continues on Tuesday 21 July, when established figures Alejandro Talavante and Borja Jiménez will face bulls from the respected El Parralejo ranch.

True aficionados know that a day at the bullfights does not begin when the bullring gates open. In Santander, the experience is much broader. It starts with a drink and lively conversation in Puertochico, discussing the morning’s bullfighting debates. It continues with the city’s outstanding seafood cuisine before the event. And it ends with passionate discussions outside the arena as the cool Cantabrian evening settles over the city.

The Feria de Santiago is far more than a series of bullfights. It is a celebration that fills Santander with life and allows visitors to experience one of Spain’s most enduring cultural traditions at its very best.