Spanish-American Businessman Manolo Lozano Dies at 94
Manolo Lozano, the prominent Spanish-American businessman, has passed away at the age of 94. He was a notable figure in the world of bullfighting and played a significant role during the International Zone of Tangier.
A Historic Moment in Tangier’s Bullring
On October 4, 1970, the bullring in Tangier witnessed the crowning of Manolo Lozano as a "matador" during his first and only performance as a professional bullfighter. Built in 1950, this venue, which seats over 11,000 spectators, became a hub for bullfighting during the Spanish protectorate. It hosted legends such as El Cordobés, who shared the stage with Lozano that evening alongside Gabriel de la Casa, using bulls from the Palomo Linares ranch.
The event featured a tri-lingual poster (in Spanish, French, and English), reflecting the international character of Tangier. Lozano achieved the remarkable feat of cutting off four ears and a tail before deciding to cut his hair, concluding his career as a matador at the peak of his success. As a businessman in Tangier, Lozano chose this arena as the stage for his dream, inspired by his mentor, Pedro Bailón Espinosa.
A Lasting Legacy
The bullring in Tangier, known as Plaza de Toros, stands as a historical landmark symbolizing the cultural exchange between Morocco and Spain during the Spanish protectorate. Designed by architect Francisco Rodríguez Álvarez López, it was completed at a cost of 12 million pesetas and took 14 months to build.
Throughout its history, the venue hosted numerous bullfighting events featuring iconic figures like Luis Miguel Dominguín and El Cordobés, serving as a center for the Spanish community. Lozano’s performance on October 4, 1970, alongside El Cordobés and Gabriel de la Casa, marked the last major event before the arena’s closure.
Following Morocco’s independence in 1956, bullfighting activities declined, and the venue was eventually closed in 1970, falling into disrepair and becoming a refuge for informal settlements. Restoration work began on October 30, 2021, at a cost of 50-70 million dirhams, funded by the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region and the North Development Agency. The renovation aims to transform the site into a cultural and tourist center featuring an open theater for 7,000 spectators, exhibition halls, restaurants, and shops, while preserving its architectural character. The bullring remains a symbol of Tangier’s history and a bridge for cultural exchange.
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