Despite more discussion than ever about its place in modern society -- bullfights were nearly banned in the northern city of Barcelona by the Catalan parliament -- the number of bullfights in the first six months of 2006 was 4.2 percent higher than last year, according to data supplied by Web site www.mundotoro.com.

Delgado's next major hurdle will be his debut in a fight with picadors, or horsemen, and with bulls that are older, heavier and more powerful three-year-olds. This is expected in September.

Vargas, the matador turned teacher, is upbeat.

"I've seen hundreds of kids come through the school. This boy is the best. No doubt about it."