"Bullfighting is tradition. It is part of our identity, our history and the way this city has celebrated the Pilar festivities for generations," Natalia Chueca said, highlighting that bullfighting-related activity supports jobs in hospitality, retail, livestock breeding and numerous trades, many of them linked to rural Aragon. "Protecting bullfighting means protecting a cultural heritage and the people who depend on it," she stated.
The mayor said the city’s commitment to bullfighting is reflected in concrete measures, such as restoring the Triunfador Award, making premises available to the Mar de Nubes bullfighting school to facilitate the training of future bullfighters and reintroducing bullfighting events into the program of festivities in honor of the Virgen del Pilar. She also expressed her wish for the school’s students to be able to train at La Misericordia bullring.
During the award ceremony, Natalia Chueca highlighted the emotion and significance of the afternoon when Cristiano Torres took the alternativa before his home crowd, with Sebastián Castella as his padrino and Fernando Adrián as witness. The matador was awarded two ears for his performance with Pajarraco, from the Núñez del Cuvillo ranch, and went out through the main gate on a day the mayor said has already become part of Zaragoza’s bullfighting history.
THE BEGINNING OF A GREAT CAREER
"The alternativa is not a goal; it is the beginning, and this trophy recognizes both what you did on October 10 and the journey that brought you there, as well as the excitement you are generating now," she told the award winner. Natalia Chueca highlighted his example of hard work and perseverance: "Zaragoza needs young people who believe in their dreams and work to achieve them, and you are a magnificent example today."
The mayor concluded by encouraging Cristiano Torres to maintain his enthusiasm, respect for the bull and the bullring, and pride in his roots. "As mayor, I want to tell you that we are very proud of you and of the fact that you carry Zaragoza’s name wherever you fight bulls," she stated.
