Bullfighter Samuel Navalón was honoured on Saturday in Manzanares with the trophy from the Círculo Cultural Taurino ‘Ignacio Sánchez Mejías’ for the best performance at the 2026 bullfighting fair. The event was marked by the affection shown by fans towards Navalón.
Mayor Julián Nieva expressed his commitment to bullfighting and announced plans to propose that the bullring be named after Ignacio Sánchez Mejías, a notable Sevillian bullfighter and intellectual associated with the Generation of ’27.
Navalón was the standout performer on 11 July during the Manzanares fair and was celebrated again on 7 November at the event organised by the Círculo Cultural Taurino ‘Ignacio Sánchez Mejías’ where he received the trophy after cutting three ears in a successful performance.
On that warm day, Navalón participated in a meeting with fans and shared the bill with Borja Jiménez and David de Miranda. This event was particularly special for him as it marked his public debut as a student of the Alcázar de San Juan Bullfighting School during a public tentadero in 2016. He also triumphed in the 2023 novice competition ‘Promesas de Nuestra Tierra’ at the same venue.
Freed from the pressures he faced four months ago, Navalón once again received the affection of the Manzanares audience, sharing a meal with them at the annual gathering of the ‘Sánchez Mejías’ group. Following the meal, a small bullfighting discussion took place, and he received the trophy from Francisco Jiménez, president of the Círculo Cultural Taurino ‘Ignacio Sánchez Mejías’, alongside Mayor Julián Nieva and his manager Manuel Amador, who emphasised the significance of such events.
Mayor Nieva remarked that the event demonstrated that “unity of purpose leads to achievements” and praised the efforts of the organising group, which has over a hundred members. He also acknowledged the seriousness of businessman Manuel Amador and expressed hopes for Navalón’s continued success in future fairs.
During the ceremony, the mayor reiterated his intention to propose naming the Manzanares bullring after Ignacio Sánchez Mejías, who was fatally injured at this venue on 11 August 1934.
