Julio Norte Triumphs at Las Ventas with an Ear and Carries the Gate

The bullfighter from Salamanca cut a trophy from his second bull, 'Jaleo', and benefited from public protest on his first.

Close-up of a fighting bull's head in a bullring arena.
IA

Close-up of a fighting bull's head in a bullring arena.

Bullfighter Julio Norte was carried out of the Plaza de Las Ventas after earning an ear from his second bull, 'Jaleo', during the tenth Feria corrida.

The bullfight at the Plaza de Las Ventas saw bullfighter Julio Norte as the main protagonist, successfully opening the 'Puerta Grande' (Great Gate) after a notable performance with the sixth bull, named 'Jaleo'. This bull from Fuente Ymbro, the only one with true mettle in the corrida, allowed Norte to shine and, after a superb sword thrust, secure the second ear of the afternoon.
Norte had previously earned an ear from his first bull, an animal that faced protests due to its lack of imposing presence. Despite a clumsy sword thrust, the audience awarded the trophy, which, combined with the ear from the sixth bull, led to his triumphant exit.

Jaleo

Meanwhile, Mario Vilau, who showed good form in his debut, experienced both the highs and lows of the fiesta. He earned an ear from his first bull but suffered a serious 15cm goring in his left thigh from the fifth, undergoing surgery and being transferred to the Clínica la Fraternidad Muprespa - Habana with a grave prognosis.
Pedro Luis, the other bullfighter in the event, displayed some artistic moments without fully capitalizing on his performances against noble but weak bulls that sought refuge against the barriers.
The corrida, held on May 18, was attended by three-quarters of the capacity crowd. The bulls from Fuente Ymbro varied in presentation, with the sixth standing out for its bravery.