The Murcian countryside and bravery

The fighting bull is bred in almost every corner of Spain, and the Region of Murcia is no exception. Amid its landscapes of mountains and plains, two herds are officially registered with the main institutions of the Spanish fighting bull sector: the Unión de Criadores de Toros de Lidia (Union of Fighting Bull Breeders) and the Asociación de Ganaderías de Lidia (Association of Fighting Bull Ranches). These are the brands of Nazario Ibáñez Azorín, based in Yecla, and El Rellano, in Moratalla. Each of them represents a different approach to the breeding of the Spanish fighting bull.

Nazario Ibáñez Azorín, the regional benchmark

The herd of Nazario Ibáñez is without doubt the most important in the province. Its official recognition dates from 24 September 2000, although its history began in 1994, when Ibáñez himself purchased the iron brand of Carmen Ordóñez. After redesigning it, he built a new herd with cows and sires from González Sánchez-Dalp and Manolo González, both of the Carlos Núñez bloodline.

Located on the Las Moratillas estate in Yecla, its bulls bear a livery of peacock blue and white, and have achieved prestige for their seriousness, bravery and nobility. One of its most memorable milestones was the pardon of the bull “Comadroso” in the Yecla bullring in 2007, a brave specimen fought by matador Vicente Barrera, which marked a turning point in the history of the herd.

El Rellano, bravery in popular festivities

Further north, in Moratalla, lies the El Rellano herd, formerly known as Hijos de Lola de España. Owned by Jesús Martínez, the bulls graze on the Casa Cristo and El Rellano estates, where they are bred with a clear link to local popular festivities.

The herd was originally formed with cattle from Carlos Núñez, Ignacio Jiménez Montegui and Samuel Flores, and its livery carries the colours white, green and yellow. Rather than being destined for formal bullfights, its animals are regularly seen in encierros (running of the bulls) and other traditional events in the area, where they are highly regarded for their agility, presence and performance in the streets.

Two brands, one legacy

Both the established herd of Nazario Ibáñez, with projection in bullrings of national importance, and El Rellano, guardian of Murcian popular tradition, are two pillars keeping alive the spirit of the fighting bull in the Region of Murcia. Each in its own way ensures that Murcia remains part of the diverse and fascinating map of the Spanish fighting bull heritage.