El Mene

El Mene: The Great Promise of Bullfighting

A young novillero from Aragón with a bright future in tauromaquia

Iker Fernández Aliagas, known in the bullrings as "El Mene", was born on 6 October 2004 in Zaragoza. From an early age, his passion for toreo (bullfighting) led him to attend corridas (bullfights) with his family, awakening his desire to become a bullfighter. He began his training at the Escuela Taurina de Torrero, where he practised in the patio de cuadrillas (the courtyard where bullfighters prepare before entering the ring) of the bullring under the guidance of Ramón Olid. Later, he refined his technique at the Escuela de Tauromaquia de Salamanca, shaping a style that blends artistry, composure, and courage.

The Early Years of His Career

His debut without picadores (bullfighters facing young bulls without mounted lancers) took place on 15 August 2021 in Rasines, Cantabria. From then on, he showed remarkable progress, quickly standing out among the novilleros (young bullfighters in training). In 2023, he achieved a significant milestone by winning the XII Bolsín Taurino "Ciudad de Peñaranda", a key competition for aspiring bullfighters.

The Step Up with Picadores and Major Triumphs

On 12 February 2024, "El Mene" made his debut with picadores (when bullfighters begin facing fully grown bulls, with mounted lancers assisting) in Ciudad Rodrigo, Salamanca, during the renowned Carnaval del Toro. That afternoon, he left a strong impression by cutting two ears (a prestigious award for an exceptional performance) from a bull bred by José Enrique Fraile de Valdefresno. His dedication and ability to handle challenging novillos (young bulls) established him as one of the rising stars of the season.

That same year, he confirmed his talent by winning several prestigious certámenes (bullfighting competitions), including:

• Alfarero de Oro in Villaseca de la Sagra
• Vid de Oro in Arganda del Rey
• Circuito de Novilladas de Castilla y León

These victories solidified his position as one of the most promising novilleros in Spain.

A Unique Style with Personality and Passion

Despite his youth, "El Mene" has impressed aficionados with his maturity in the ruedo (bullring). His toreo is distinguished by harmony, elegance, and a special connection with the audience, making a lasting impression in every arena he enters. His absolute dedication and ambition have led him to face major challenges, proving that his vocación (calling) is undeniable.

One of the most unusual moments in his career occurred in September 2022, when, during a faena (the final and most artistic stage of a bullfight) in Tamames, he suffered an unexpected injury by cutting his own calf with his sword. Despite this setback, his determination and fighting spirit have kept him on the path to success.

A Future Full of Promise

In 2025, his career took another step forward when he was selected for a special slot in the Circuito de Novilladas de Madrid, a prestigious programme that allows top novilleros to compete outside their home regions. This certamen, which gathers the best young bullfighters in Spain, presents another challenge on his road to the alternativa (the ceremony where a novillero becomes a full-fledged matador).

With an exceptional trajectory ahead, "El Mene" continues his journey with the firm intention of establishing himself as a major figure in tauromaquia. His story is that of a young aragonés, who, with passion and dedication, is making his way in the bullfighting world, earning recognition plaza by plaza.