José Antonio Morante de la Puebla made his comeback at Seville's Real Maestranza on Easter Sunday, cutting two ears before an ecstatic crowd with former King Juan Carlos I in attendance. Bullfighters Roca Rey and David de Miranda also earned trophies in the Garcigrande bullfight. The event drew numerous public figures and sold out completely.
Seville's Real Maestranza bullring was packed with a 'no hay billetes' sold-out crowd for the Easter Sunday bullfight on April 5, 2026, featuring Garcigrande bulls for Morante de la Puebla, Roca Rey, and David de Miranda.
Morante de la Puebla, absent for 175 days since his last appearance in Madrid, entered the ring at 18:35 amid religious clamor. Dressed in black and gray embroidery, he dedicated his first bull, Golfante, to former King Juan Carlos I, who attended with Infanta Elena in the Real Maestranza box. After a shortened faena due to the bull's weakness, he received silence. With his second bull, Gentil, he delivered solid series and a monumental thrust, cutting two ears amid wild delirium.
Roca Rey, in eggplant and gold, faced Custodiador with quality but the faena waned; he earned greetings on the first and one ear with petition on the Puerta del Príncipe fifth. David de Miranda earned an ear on the reserve sixth after a severe volteretón and bold arrimón.
Juan Carlos I arrived by private jet from Abu Dhabi via Geneva, greeted with ovations and cheers. 'We need him a lot,' Morante said of his support. Attendees included Juanma Moreno, Sergio Ramos, Estrella Morente, and Vicente Amigo. A minute of silence was held for Rafael de Paula and others.
The former king, not in institutional seats, was cheered upon entering at 18:23.
