Sebastián Castella
Sebastián Turzack Castella, known professionally as Castella, is a French bullfighter who has left a profound mark both in the bullrings and in the art world. Born on January 31, 1983, in Béziers, France, to a Spanish father and Polish mother, Castella has combined his diverse cultural roots into an exceptionally brilliant bullfighting career and now into the field of painting.
First Steps in Bullfighting Castella made his public debut on March 30, 1997, at the Aignan bullring, showing early promise in the art of bullfighting at the young age of 14. His debut as a novillero occurred on April 30, 2000, in Madrid, sharing the bill with Sergio Aguilar and Alberto Álvarez, marking the beginning of his rise in the bullfighting world.
The Alternative and Rapid Rise The same year as his debut as a novillero, on August 12, 2000, Castella took the alternativa in a notable ceremony, with Enrique Ponce as his sponsor and José Tomás as a witness. This rapid transition from novillero to matador underscores the early recognition of his exceptional talent and skill.
Confirmation of the Alternative in Mexico The confirmation of his alternativa occurred shortly after, on February 18, 2001, in Mexico. Rafael Ortega was his sponsor and El Tato his witness, solidifying his status as a matador in one of the most bullfighting-centric countries in the world.
A World-Renowned Bullfighter Castella has fought in the most prestigious bullrings in the world, including La Maestranza in Seville, Las Ventas in Madrid, and La Monumental in Barcelona, demonstrating his mastery of bullfighting in each appearance. His style is characterized by unique calmness and harmony, with a charisma that clearly distinguishes him in the ring.
Diversification into the Arts In 2022, Castella expanded his creative repertoire by declaring himself a painter, with his first exhibition in Madrid’s Retiro Park. This new artistic facet reflects his ongoing passion for expression and art, allowing him to explore new forms of creativity beyond bullfighting.
An Expanding Legacy Sebastián Castella is not only an internationally renowned bullfighter but also an emerging artist whose work on canvas is beginning to receive the same recognition as his art in the bullring. With his foray into painting, Castella continues to challenge the limits of his artistic expression, keeping one foot in tradition and the other in innovation. His life and career are a testament to his dedication not only to bullfighting but also to personal and artistic evolution.