The 50th Zapato de Oro Reveals Its Line-Up

As part of the festivities honouring Saints Cosmas and Damian, the town of Arnedo is preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its renowned novillada fair in grand style. On Monday morning, the Taurine Sector Council, in collaboration with the company Ignacio Ríos S.L., officially announced the cattle ranches chosen for this special edition. The presentation was led by the Council’s president, José Mª Ezquerro, and the president of Arnedo’s Taurine Club, Javier Rubio.

The 2025 edition of the Zapato de Oro (Golden Shoe) fair is already generating excitement. This emblematic event, a key fixture for up-and-coming bullfighters on the national novillada circuit, reaches its 50th edition this year. Running from 26 September to 2 October, the organisers have opted for a carefully selected group of cattle breeders, offering a balance of experience, genetic variety and proven quality.

During Monday’s presentation, four ranches were confirmed as participants in this year's cycle:

Guadalmena (Domecq bloodline):

Hailing from Jaén, this ranch returns to Arnedo after its resounding success in 2024. That year, one of its novillos was awarded a lap of honour, and its lot helped Aarón Palacio claim the coveted Zapato de Oro. This will mark Guadalmena’s sixth appearance at the fair—and its first as the reigning champion ranch.

Los Maños (Santa Coloma bloodline):

Known for its character and seriousness, this Aragonese brand makes its third visit to Arnedo (second within the Zapato de Oro). In 2024, one of its bulls was named best novillo of the fair. Its presence once again brings the distinctive Santa Coloma lineage and a more classical, "torista" flavour to the programme.

El Retamar (Núñez bloodline):

Making its debut in Arnedo, El Retamar continues the representation of the Núñez bloodline, last seen with Alcurrucén in 2023. While still relatively unknown to the wider public, this ranch is beginning to earn recognition in demanding arenas. Its inclusion in this prestigious fair could mark a turning point in its rise.

El Montecillo (Domecq bloodline):

Currently enjoying a period of consolidation, El Montecillo is appreciated for both the diversity of its coats and the class of its animals. The ranch already made a strong impression in 2024 during the semi-final tentaderos of the Zapato de Plata, where all seven heifers showcased remarkable quality. Its return to Arnedo is highly anticipated by aficionados.

With this well-balanced line-up of seasoned names and promising newcomers, both the Arnedo City Council and the Taurine Sector Council reaffirm their commitment to hosting a fair that champions breed diversity, livestock quality and the promotion of rising bullfighting talent.

The next announcement will reveal the novilleros taking part in this highly symbolic edition of the Zapato de Oro, an event that continues to play a vital role in the Spanish taurine calendar.

Advance ticket requests can now be submitted via the Servitoro booking form:

? https://reservas.servitoro.com/