Dressed in green and gold, Enrique Ponce He said goodbye to the Misericordia arena in Zaragoza. This Saturday, at dawn Pilar Fairthe teacher braided the Paseíllo with Emilio de Justothe winner of the Pilar fair in 2023, and that of Zaragoza Jorge Isiegaswho replaced the bullfighter Tristan Barrosowho was going to choose the alternative, but an injury prevented him from attending the event with the supporters.
OKDIARIO accompanied the professor from Chiva (Valencia) during this special afternoon. After 34 seasons and almost 2,200 celebrations behind him, Enrique Ponce retires, and he does so returning to the fans the affection he has given him all these years. This is why this pilgrimage, step by step through Spain and Latin America, is so well received by its faithful, to be able to taste “the class and style of the teacher», as they express it to us into our microphones, at the exit of the square.
An afternoon of triumph, in which Enrique Ponce unlocked the door superb under warm applause, in this arena which roared with emotion. Their pre-selected comrades respectively cut off two appendages. Emilio de Justo on his second bull and Jorge Isiegas on his first.
Enrique Ponce and Zaragoza
“In Zaragoza, I very beautiful memoriesthese were superb afternoons. His hobby, the affection with which he always receives me. Above all, in recent years, important tasks have been accomplished. “I am very grateful to the fans of this city,” explains Enrique Ponce to the microphones of OKDIARIO, a few minutes before the start of the parade.
The capes of the Virgin of Pilar
“I have asked the Virgin of the Pillar several times. This positive thinking is essential to know, if you believe in God, that there is a greater force that is with you and that takes care of you, helps you… Bullfighters, in general, cling to God , we have faith and we ask that everything goes well. It’s very comforting. So many times I asked Virgin of Pilar and all the virgins who have existed and who will be”, he reveals, smiling in the corridor. “I am very grateful, the Virgin of the Pillar has always given me this cape”, he adds.
Bullfight for a national prize
Professor Enrique Ponce is National Bullfighting Prize. What is this art for him? “Bullfight It’s part of our DNA, of our culture, our tradition, our history… It is a unique spectacle in the world. “A brave bull enters the ring and a man is able to create art and sublime beauty with this animal,” he describes. “Unlike other artists,” he reflects, “bullfighting, as an artist, stakes its life on it.”
Curiosities from this historic afternoon
Like all bullfights, there are always remarkable events that make the afternoon unique and historic. On this occasion there were also circumstances that deserve to be highlighted and that will be part of the anniversary of Enrique Ponce’s farewell to the Misericordia arena.
- The two ears from the slaughter of Enrique Ponce’s second bull which allowed him to exit through the front door, were delivered by Charlottea veterinary student who today made history by becoming the first sheriff of the arenas of Misericordia.
- Enrique Ponce offered the first bull of the afternoon to the doctor Carlos Val-Carrièresconsidered a guardian angel in the world of bullfighting. This Saturday precisely, he received the title of Favorite son of Zaragozaduring the awards ceremony awarded by the Town Hall, as “one of the best surgeons in the world”.
- The Provincial Delegation of Zaragoza and the Carlos Zúñiga company offered Enrique Ponce some souvenir gifts for this special afternoon. The Provincial Council awarded him a prize; and to the local businessman, a plaque in recognition of his career. In addition, the Madroñera bullfighting club gave him a Virgen del Pilar.
