June 3rd, Benavente´s Enmaromado bull: "Glorificado" Cebado Gago

THE ENMAROMADO BULL OF BENAVENTE: A CENTURIES-OLD TRADITION THAT REMAINS ALIVE

Glorificado will carry out the traditional route next June 3rd 2026

By Roberto Fernández / Javier Cachón

“Toro, toro, toro!” This chant echoes year after year among the residents of Benavente, directed at the town’s mayor—a request steeped in history that once again becomes reality with the selection of the bull Glorificado, an imposing specimen from the ranch Hnos. de Cebada Gago, with lineage from Núñez, Jandilla, and Torrestrella. It will complete its traditional route on June 3 at 7:30 p.m., as dictated by this centuries-old ritual.

The origins of the Toro Enmaromado festival date back, according to municipal archives, to the celebration of Corpus Christi, one of the most important religious festivities in this town in the province of Zamora. Benavente has historically been a strategic enclave in northwestern Spain, a meeting point for important routes such as the Camino de Santiago, the Vía de la Plata, and the Camino de Oriente.

The oldest preserved documents show that bull-related festivities were already being held in the 15th century, with notable references in the years 1461 and 1462. However, it is likely that the tradition dates back even earlier. It was in the 17th century when the first explicit reference to the “buey enmaromado” appeared—a term used at the time to describe a less aggressive bull.

Over time, the festival evolved into what is now known as the toro enmaromado, becoming one of the main events on the eve of Corpus Christi. Since then, it has been held almost every year, except in exceptional circumstances tied to major events.

The symbolic beginning of the festivities takes place on the Day of La Veguilla, held in honor of the Virgen de la Vega, the town’s patron saint. The day starts with a solemn mass and a procession in which local groups (peñas) carry the image of the Virgin through the streets.

After these religious events comes one of the most anticipated moments: the traditional “petición del toro.” This custom originated in the 19th century, during a time of economic hardship when funding the celebration was difficult. Since then, townspeople gather in the main square chanting “Toro, toro, toro!” until the mayor officially confirms that there will be a bull that year.

Fifty days later, on the Wednesday before Corpus Christi, the main event takes place. At 7:30 p.m., three rockets—launched at fifteen-minute intervals—announce the bull’s release from the pen, drawing the attention of large crowds.

The bull runs nearly three kilometers through the historic center, guided by a rope approximately 110 meters long. Along the route, there are several stops at designated points known as “argollas,” where the animal can rest and cool down while participants maintain a safe distance.

Organizing the event requires a significant collective effort, with many volunteers working each year to improve the festival’s execution and ensure both safety and respect for the animal, as well as to prevent dangerous situations for participants and spectators.

The Toro Enmaromado has received several official recognitions, including Festival of Regional Tourist Interest (1991), Traditional Bullfighting Event (2000), and Municipal Intangible Cultural Heritage (2011). Notably, it was awarded the Tauromachy Prize of Castile and León 2025 this past February.

The festival is part of the Spanish Federation of bull on a rope, one of the main promoters of this type of popular bull celebration. The federation organizes the annual national congress of rope-bull events, which this year will be held in Amposta. The congress brings together more than twenty towns from across the country and highlights the rope-bull tourist route.

Throughout the festive week, Benavente is filled with a lively atmosphere thanks to local groups that animate the streets with parades, music, and events, along with open-air dances and other cultural activities. The continuity of this tradition over the centuries reflects the deep-rooted connection it holds among the people of Benavente, who have preserved and passed it down through generations—ensuring that its impact, importance, and attendance continue to grow year after year.

For more info: Toro Enmaromado Benavente - Toro enmaromado