Silent Triumph of Morenito de Aranda in His Solo Performance

Nearly three hours after starting his task, Morenito de Aranda left the Vic bullring, carried out and through the main entrance. He did so smiling, clearly satisfied, amidst applause, but without a great uproar. And although it was the bullfighter who objectively won the match, there was a feeling that the true winners of the evening were the bulls.

Morenito, skilled and self-assured, a perfect fighter, cut two ears that felt insufficient. Especially considering that these were very lenient trophies awarded without a majority of handkerchiefs. The bullfighter from Aranda de Duero passed the test with dignity and courage, but did not measure up to the good and interesting specimens from Flor de Jara and Araúz de Robles.

Except for the very unrefined and lackluster sixth, which was also unpresentable and suspicious in its horns, all the bulls, to varying degrees, charged. The first, a beautiful Santacoloma from Flor de Jara, was excellent in class and nobility, pushing steadily without throwing a horn at the horse; the second, from Araúz de Robles, was meek in the first part but persistent, demanding, and with transmission; the third (Flor de Jara) was also noble, persistent, and steady, although somewhat moderate; the fourth (Araúz) was interesting and tougher; and the fifth, from Carlos Aragón Cancela, was brave in the first act (it knocked down) and had great stamina.

All, except the meek second, performed well on horseback, showed steadiness, and died with their mouths closed.

Morenito, who left some good passes with the cape—mainly during the entrances, as he made few evasive moves—delivered the best muletazos, especially natural ones, in the first and fifth. Both performances were irregular, sometimes well-placed and at other times poorly positioned, during which, when he stood vertically and brought the charges back, smooth and well-drawn naturals emerged.

He also dominated the scene, controlling the timings, and showcased very tasteful details in his finishes from below. Yet, there was a lack of forcefulness. No complete work was executed, nor did he find the secret to connect with the more challenging and less clear bulls, such as the second and fourth. Not to mention the sword; not a good thrust was delivered; most were low.

Facing six bulls alone in a bullring like Vic cannot be easy. Thus, although it was a half-triumph and without a roar, Morenito succeeded. And so did the bulls from Flor de Jara and Araúz de Robles. Yes, they ended up hanging in the slaughterhouse, it’s true, but they honorably asserted their nobility and brave breeding.