Here stands the Vicente Zabala Plaque a tribute to a giant of bullfighting journalism. This unassuming plaque marks the Madrid home of Vicente Zabala. He lived here from 1937 until his tragic death in 1995.
Vicente Zabala was more than just a journalist. He was a bullfighting chronicler. His writing was elegant and evocative. He captured the essence of the corrida. He infused his prose with the spirit of Madrid. Generations of readers learned about bullfighting through his work.
His career began humbly. He started with agencies Logos and Cifra. He rose through the ranks of publications like El Ruedo and Fiesta Española. He became chief editor of El Alcázar’s bullfighting section. His talent shone brightly. He eventually took over the bullfighting section of the prestigious ABC newspaper. He succeeded the legendary José María de Cossío. Later he also succeeded Antonio Díaz Cañabate at ABC. He worked there for over two decades.
Zabala wasn’t just a critic. He wrote books too. His works included La entraña del Toreo and La Ley de la Fiesta. He also wrote Hablan los viejos colosos del toreo a collection of interviews with legendary bullfighters. These books cemented his status as a bullfighting authority.
His death was sudden and unexpected. He perished in a plane crash while traveling to Colombia. The irony was not lost on anyone. He famously had a fear of flying.
The Vicente Zabala Plaque is more than just a marker. It’s a reminder of a life dedicated to the bullfight. It is a testament to a brilliant writer and commentator. It’s a tribute to a man who breathed life into the world of bullfighting. His legacy continues to inspire generations of bullfighting enthusiasts. His home a quiet place now. It still whispers tales of his passion and dedication. Visit this plaque and remember Vicente Zabala. Remember his profound impact on the world of bullfighting.