There is a climate of mourning in Malaga for the Picassian Bullfight, one of the most symbolic events of the Andalusian Semana Santa. The traditional homage to Pablo Picasso, which combines art and bullfighting on Holy Saturday, is marked by the death of Ricardo Ortiz, former matador and bullfighting attendant in the bullring of La Malagueta, run over by one of the bulls destined for the bullfight.
The accident and the investigation
Ortiz, 51, was gored while working on running the encierro ahead of the evening. The Policía Nacional has started investigations, treating the episode as an accident at work. Lances de Futuro, the organizing company, expressed “deep sorrow” and condolences to the family and the local bullfighting community.
Bullfight confirmed
Despite the mourning, bullfighting remains confirmed with Saúl Jiménez Fortes, Juan Ortega and Pablo Aguado, in an arena that this year also celebrates the 150th anniversary of the malagueño thing. The Picassiana represents a real city ritual in Malaga, with sets and costumes inspired by Picasso’s artistic universe.
A symbolic figure
The figure of Ortiz was deeply rooted in the local bullfighting environment. Born in Malaga into a traditional family, son of the matador and nererillero Manolo Ortiz, he had performed in the arenas between the 1980s and 1990s, later remaining linked to the sector by working in the Malagueta.
Tradition and debate
The episode reignites the debate on the role of bullfights in Spain, which are still very present especially during religious and popular holidays. According to data from the Ministry of Culture, in 2024 there were 376 bullfights registered, confirming a deep-rooted tradition that has long been the subject of social and political protests.