Mission Espada

The last mission on the trail was Mission Espada, it was small but well taken care of and had some very colorful flowers planted about. The information I had printed out said to be sure to notice the unique and decorative archway around the door, indeed.

-----

After visiting Mission Espada we were completely worn out. Even though the temperatures were comfortable October temps, the sun had taken its toll on us and we couldn't do much more. 

We were hungry and thankfully we found the Mi Tierra cafe and bakery. Absolutely great Mexican food. And maybe next time we can visit the The Mariachi Bar right next to the Mi Tierra Cafe.

Un toro de Palha en la plaza de Madrid

Madrid, antigua plaza de toros de la carretera de Aragón. Año 1903:

El diestro Algabeño ante 'Bicalvo', un espectacular Palha que, con más voluntad que poder, tomó 8 varas por 2 caídas y 1 caballo para el arrastre.

I will stand in this exact spot one day

(from the Real Maestranza de Ronda Facebook page)

Desde la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda os invitamos a llenar vuestro día de #Arte e #Historia  conociendo las instalaciones y programa cultural de la institución.

Descubre el Picadero, admira la Real Guarnicionería del Duque de Montpensier; conoce la historia de la institución en la sala Real Maestranza de Ronda, recorre la colección de tauromaquia y disfruta de los diferentes espacios de la plaza.

Te esperamos de lunes a domingo de 10:00 a 18:00 h

Cartel de Illescas - 2026

 

Morante's 2025 faena in Salamanca - (link to article and video on Mundotoro)

La faena antológica de Morante en Salamanca

La sección ‘El 2025, por sus protagonistas’ acaba con el nombre de este año: Morante de la Puebla. En un sinfín de faenas que quedarán grabadas para la historia, Mundotoro quiere recuperar la que el sevillano cuajó en la plaza de toros de Salamanca.

Una obra inconmensurable que fue premiada con las dos orejas y el rabo. Un año histórico en el que Morante de la Puebla ha llevado el rumbo del toreo hasta que aquel 12 de octubre y después de conseguir su segunda Puerta Grande de Madrid decidiera quitarse la coleta.

https://www.mundotoro.com/noticia/el-2025-por-sus-protagonistas-la-faena-antologica-de-morante-en-salamanca/1910941

"Invocation" - artwork by Gladys Roland-de-Moras

(from rolandemoras.com)

Born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico, Gladys Roldan-de-Moras is known for her paintings which spotlight Spanish culture, including courageous, gallant Mexican escaramuzas daringly riding horses sidesaddle in a rodeo-style festival, romantic Flamenco señoritas clad in exuberant Andalusian dresses, and old-fashioned, delicate damsels in intimate, exquisite poses.  After living in San Antonio for over 30 years, she finds great inspiration in representing her love of Spanish culture. “I try to paint the beauty around me,” saysGladys of her work, “I am inspired by turn-of-the-century Spanish painters.” 

Her talent has landed her work in many private and public permanent collections, at the national and international levels. Gladys’ striking, romantic art has been cited in several publications such as Southwest Art Magazine, American Western Art Collector, Western Art and Architecture, Architectural Digest European Edition, San Antonio Express-News, Western American Literature, Art Business News, El Dictamen de Veracruz, and La Voz Latina, to name a few. 

The product of a long line of artists and artisans Gladys was born  in Monterrey, Mexico. She began enjoying Art at a very young age and took a circuitous route to become a fine artist. After attending Medical School she left her promising medical career to become the fine artist we know today. In 1984 she moved to Austin where she received her degree from the University of Texas.

Her paintings have been acquired by National and International private collectors, The Briscoe Western Art Museum, The University of Texas in San Antonio (UTSA), United States Air Force (USAF), Desert Caballeros Western Museum, San Antonio Art League Museum Permanent Collection, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), Hospitals, Law Firms, On-Board Software Co. etc. Her artwork has been featured in TV programs such as "Lo Mejor de lo Nuestro (Univision)and published in Architectural Digest International Edition. She has been cited in publications such as the Southwest Art Magazine, American Western Art Collector, Western Art and Architecture, Cowboy and Indians, San Antonio Express News, Western American Literature, San Antonio Woman, Dallas Morning News,Prime Time, Tritonian, Art Business News, El  Dictamen de Veracruz, and La Voz Latina.

https://www.roldandemoras.com/

Clash over staging bullfights in Tijuana continues

(borderreport.com 12-18-25)

Tijuana City Manager Arnulfo Guerrero León told reporters earlier this week the city will not issue permits to a new bullring that is seeking to stage bullfights in the coming year. Promoters are accusing the city of “overstepping” its authority since these type of events are not illegal in the state of Baja California. But Guerrero León insists he has the jurisdiction to prevent bullfights from taking place.

“We have the discretionary capacity as a government to issue permits according to requirements we have listed, surely we’re going to prohibit bullfights,” he said.

On Tuesday, operators of Tijuana’s new bullring, which opened in May 2023, claimed a temporary judicial injunction suspending bullfights had come to an end. Bullfights in the city have not taken place since the summer of 2023.

“The suspension of bullfights has ended, there is no legal impediment now to prevent these festivities from returning to our state,” said a news issued by administrators with the Nuevo Toreo de Tijuana.

Animal rights activists like Frank Ortiz González said on the federal level in Mexico, bullfights are prohibited. He also stated the Baja California state code has determined that animals are sensitive beings and are subject to protection from harm.

“If someone in Tijuana dares to stage a bullfight, we will sue them and seek penalties under health and civic statutes,” Ortiz González said. “This could result in millions of pesos in fines.”

The people behind the proposed bullfights have said they will soon issue a formal schedule for bullfights to be held in 2026. As of Tuesday, according to Guerrero León, the city has not received any formal applications for permits involving bullfights in Tijuana, although he did say promoters can apply up to a few days leading up to an event.

https://www.borderreport.com/hot-topics/border-culture/clash-over-staging-bullfights-in-tijuana-continues/