Jesús Herrera

Jesús Herrera: From Pachacámac to the Bullrings of Spain

Jesús Mariano Herrera Martínez is one of the young Peruvian novilleros who have crossed the Atlantic in pursuit of their dream of becoming professional bullfighters. His story is one of an early passion for bullfighting, daily dedication and the determination to establish himself in a profession that demands training, perseverance and the ability to seize every opportunity.

Born in Pachacámac, in the province of Lima, Peru, on 31 August 2004, Herrera discovered the starting point of his calling in the bullfighting traditions of his homeland. He is now developing his career in Spain, where he continues his training at the Ciudad Real Bullfighting School, working to refine his technique and prepare for new professional challenges.

His progress is beginning to translate into notable performances and results, allowing him to gain valuable experience at venues across Spain's bullfighting circuit.

Jesús Herrera: Bullfighter Profile and Biographical Details

• Full name: Jesús Mariano Herrera Martínez.

• Date of birth: 31 August 2004.

• Place of birth: Pachacámac, Lima, Peru.

• Nationality: Peruvian.

• Profession: Novillero (young bullfighter who competes in novilladas).

• Bullfighting school: Ciudad Real Bullfighting School.

• Early bullfighting experience: Joselito Rioja Bullring, Peru.

• Early training in Peru: Associated with La Esperanza Bullring, under the guidance of maestro Emilio Serna.

• Manager: Tito Fernández, according to information published about his career in March 2026.

• Alternative (formal confirmation as a matador de toros): No confirmed date has been found in the sources consulted.

Bullfighting Career: A Career in Progress

His Early Steps in Peru

Jesús Herrera's connection with the world of bullfighting began during his childhood. Local celebrations and traditional festivities sparked his interest in tauromachy, a passion that gradually grew into a professional ambition.

His first practical experiences took place at the Joselito Rioja Bullring, where he participated in tentaderos—sessions in which young bulls are tested—and had the opportunity to learn the basic principles of bullfighting. These early encounters brought him closer to the profession and allowed him to begin developing his skills in front of cattle.

He subsequently continued his training at La Esperanza Bullring, where he received support from people who helped guide his early development. Among them was Emilio Serna, who contributed to his training, alongside Tito Fernández, who backed his professional ambitions.

Herrera made his debut as a novillero without picadors in Peru at La Esperanza, where he was awarded two ears. This first success rewarded his hard work and strengthened his determination to pursue his career.

Spain: An Opportunity to Develop as a Novillero

Seeking to broaden his opportunities, Jesús Herrera moved to Spain to continue his training and compete in a bullfighting circuit with a long-standing tradition of developing young talent.

Joining the Ciudad Real Bullfighting School has enabled him to work consistently on his technique and take part in bullfights, practical training events and competitions organised in different towns and cities.

During his early seasons in Spain, he has performed in bullrings in places such as Nambroca, Alicante and Fuensalida, as well as appearing in Toledo, Quismondo, Tafalla and Peal de Becerro.

One of the significant milestones of this period came with his first appearance in a traditional bullfighting suit of lights in Fuensalida, where he was awarded two ears. This result marked an important step in his adaptation to the Spanish circuit and the development of his career.

The 2026 season has offered another opportunity to consolidate his progress. In June, he competed in the final of the sixth Ciudad de Coria National Bullfighting School Challenge, where he earned one ear and gained further experience in a national competition.

Jesús Herrera Wins the José Ruiz Calatraveño Competition

One of his most notable victories came on 26 July 2026, when he was declared the winner of the second José Ruiz Calatraveño competition, held at Ciudad Real Bullring. 

Facing novillos from the Manuela Patón breeding ranch, Herrera delivered a committed performance that earned him four ears, two from each of his opponents. He received a warning during his second appearance before being awarded the two trophies.

His result made him the standout performer in a final that also featured impressive displays from Juan Robles and Rodrigo Villalón, both of whom were carried out of the ring on supporters' shoulders alongside the Peruvian. The novillada produced a total of ten ears and highlighted the promising form of the young competitors.

At the end of the event, Miguel Ángel Valverde, president of the Provincial Council of Ciudad Real, presented Herrera with the trophy recognising his victory in the competition.

This achievement represents one of the most important milestones of his career to date. Beyond the satisfaction of winning, it recognises his hard work and offers an opportunity to raise his profile among bullfighting enthusiasts and industry professionals.

A Passion for Bullfighting: A Calling That Began in Childhood

Jesús Herrera's story is rooted in a passion that began long before he considered bullfighting as a profession. Traditional festivities in his home region, local celebrations and his exposure to Peruvian bullfighting culture all played an important role in awakening his interest.

What began as an enthusiasm gradually developed into a serious pursuit through practical experience. His first encounters with fighting bulls at the Joselito Rioja Bullring, followed by his training at La Esperanza, introduced him to the demands of a career requiring physical fitness, technical ability and mental strength.

Moving to Spain was another decisive step. Leaving his home country to seek opportunities in Spanish bullrings meant committing himself to broader training opportunities and accepting the sacrifices that accompany the early stages of a bullfighter's career.

In Ciudad Real, Herrera has found an environment in which to continue developing his skills and competing against other young aspirants. Taking part in competitions and bullfights allows him to gain experience, refine his technique and demonstrate his progress to audiences.

His career reflects a combination of ambition and a willingness to learn. Although he still has a long way to go, his results in 2026, particularly his victory in the José Ruiz Calatraveño competition, represent important milestones in his development.

What Are Jesús Herrera's Goals?

Like many young people embarking on a bullfighting career, one of Herrera's main ambitions is to reach Spain's leading bullrings and establish himself as a professional.

Among his aspirations are the chance to achieve success at Las Ventas Bullring in Madrid and Acho Bullring in Lima, two venues of enormous significance to Spanish and Peruvian bullfighting.

To move closer to these goals, he will need to continue gaining experience, refining his own approach to bullfighting and making the most of the opportunities that arise throughout the season.

His training at the Ciudad Real Bullfighting School is an essential part of this journey. His continued development, experience in different arenas and results in competitions will all help shape the next stages of his career.

For now, Jesús Herrera represents a new generation of Peruvian novilleros seeking to establish themselves in Spain and turn an early passion into a professional career.

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Following the progress of young novilleros is a way to discover the future of bullfighting. Every season offers new opportunities to get to know aspiring bullfighters as they seek to make their mark in the ring and work towards appearances at major events.

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