Chapter 82
AI, HISTORICAL BULLFIGHTERS
Fighting bulls and bullfighters are two fundamental elements in bullfighting, a cultural tradition with deep roots in several countries, especially in Spain and Latin America. Bullfighting is a cultural tradition that generates both admiration and controversy. These are just some basic aspects about fighting bulls and bullfighters, which are part of a rich and complex tradition with many nuances; generalities about both.
Fighting bulls; characteristics:
Race : They belong to a specific race, known as "Bos taurus ibericus". This breed has been selectively bred for centuries to develop particular characteristics suitable for bullfighting.
Physical : They are known for their size, strength and antlers generally; They are muscular and have an imposing appearance.
Behavior : They have a strong and combative temperament, which makes them ideal for bullfighting. They are known for their bravery, which is the willingness to charge and attack.
Breeding and Selection : This is carried out in specialized farms. Breeders carefully select animals to reproduce desired characteristics such as bravery, nobility and endurance.
Bullfighters:
Features and Types
Matadors : They are the main bullfighters in a bullfight. Their role is to confront the bull and perform a series of movements and passes with the aim of dominating it and finally killing it.
Subalterns : These include banderilleros and picadors. The banderilleros place banderillas on the bull to weaken it, while the picadors, mounted on horseback, use a long stick to measure the bull's bravery and also weaken it.
Novilleros : they are bullfighters who are in the training phase and have not reached the level of matador. They participate in bullfights, which are bullfights with younger animals.
Training : The training of a bullfighter is rigorous and extensive, generally beginning from an early age. Includes physical, technical and psychological training to face the demanding task of dealing with brave bulls.
Bullfights : Bullfighters take part in bullfights, which are public events where they demonstrate their ability to handle the bull. The aim is to execute a series of aesthetically pleasing and technically precise movements, culminating in the final stab that kills the bull.
Risks : the profession of bullfighter is extremely dangerous. Bullfighters are in constant danger of being gored and suffering serious injuries or even death.
Cultural aspect : In many places, bullfights are important events that are part of festivities and celebrations. The figure of the bullfighter is highly respected and admired in bullfighting culture.
Controversial aspect : A growing movement against bullfighting, with criticism focused on animal welfare and the ethics of using bulls in shows that involve their suffering and death. In some places, bullfighting has been banned or is in decline.
Basic Terminology
Faena : set of lucks that the bullfighter performs with the bull.
Veronica : basic layer pass.
Lunge : final moment of the fight, when the bullfighter tries to kill the bull with a sword.
Bullring : place where bullfights are held.
Bullfighters:
Juan Belmonte (1892-1962) country: Spain
Known for revolutionizing modern bullfighting with his style closer to the bull and a more static posture: he is considered one of the fathers of modern bullfighting.
Manuel Rodríguez "Manolete" (1917-1947) Spain: his elegance and seriousness in the ring; his tragic death in a bullfight in 1947 made him a legend.
Joselito "El Gallo" (1895-1920) Spain: his perfect technique and his rivalry with Juan Belmonte marked a golden era in bullfighting.
Enrique Ponce (1971-) Spain: He had a long and successful career, standing out for his technique and classic style. He has been one of the most consistent and beloved bullfighters in recent decades.
José Tomás (1975-) Spain : his extreme courage and his art, considered one of the purest and bravest bullfighters. He has starred in some of the most exciting moments in modern bullfighting.
El Juli (1982-) Country: Spain: a child prodigy of bullfighting and maintaining a successful career from a young age. He stands out for his technique and power.
Morante de la Puebla (1979-) Spain: his unique art and style, being one of the most charismatic and creative bullfighters today.
Andrés Roca Rey (1996-) Country: Peru; one of the youngest and most promising figures in contemporary bullfighting. He is known for his bravery and innovative style.
Bullfighters in Latin America:
Luis Miguel Dominguín (1926-1996)
Country Spain; her fame in Latin America and Europe, in addition to her relationship with personalities like Ava Gardner. He was one of the most media bullfighters of his time.
The Cordoban (1942-)
Country Spain; Known for : its spectacular and popular style, attracting a large audience and making bullfighting a more accessible spectacle.
Historical bullfighters:
Juan Belmonte (1892-1962) Country: Spain known for : revolutionizing modern bullfighting with his style closer to the bull and a more static posture.
Manuel Rodríguez "Manolete" (1917-1947) country : Spain, known for: His elegance and seriousness in the ring.
Joselito "El Gallo" (1895-1920) Country: Spain; Known for: his perfect technique and his rivalry with Juan Belmonte.
Domingo Ortega (1906-1988) Country: Spain: known for : his technical mastery and his ability to deal with difficult bulls.
Rafael Gómez "El Gallo" (1882-1960) country : Spain: known for: His eccentric style and his influence on bullfighting.
Ignacio Sánchez Mejías (1891-1934) country: Spain; Known for: his versatility and being an intellectual, friend of writers like Federico García Lorca.
Antonio Bienvenida (1922-1975) Country: Spain; his classic elegance and his extensive career.
Contemporary Bullfighters: Enrique Ponce (1971-) country: Spain; known for his long and successful career.
José Tomás (1975-) country: Spain: known for: his extreme courage and pure art.
El Juli (1982-) Country: Spain; Known for : being a bullfighting prodigy.
Morante de la Puebla (1979-) country : Spain; Known for: his unique artistry and style.
Andrés Roca Rey (1996-) country : Peru; known for: being a young and promising figure.
Sebastián Castella (1983-) country : France; known for: His elegance and refined technique.
Bullfighters in Latin America:
Luis Miguel Dominguín (1926-1996) Country: Spain; known for: his fame in Latin America and Europe.
El Cordobés (1942-) Country: Spain known for: its spectacular and popular style.
Carlos Arruza (1920-1966) country: Mexico: known for : his dominance and technique in the ring.
Silverio Pérez (1915-2006) Country: Mexico; Known for : his elegance and charisma.
Joselito de Colombia (1943-2021) Country: Colombia: known for: Being the most outstanding Colombian bullfighter.
Rodolfo Rodríguez "El Pana" (1952-2016) country: Mexico; known for: His eccentric style and late career resurgence.
International Bullfighters:
Sebastián Castella (1983-) Country: France; known for: the elegance and refined technique of it.
Cristina Sánchez (1972-) country : Spain; known for: Being one of the
Juan Carlos Cubas (1980-) country : Peru; Known for: Being a prominent figure in contemporary Peruvian bullfighting.
Legendary Bullfighters in Literature:
Pedro Romero (1754-1839) Spain: known for: being considered the first professional bullfighter and establishing many of the rules of modern bullfighting.
Francisco Rivera Pérez, better known as Paquirri , was a Spanish bullfighter. He died from a goring received from the bull called Avispado in the Pozoblanco bullring. During his career he left Las Ventas through the front door six times. Spain : one of the most famous bullfighters of the 19th century for contributing to the formalization of bullfighting.
Pepe Caceres (1935-1987)
Full Name: José Eslava Cáceres, born on March 16, 1935 in Honda, Tolima, Colombia, died August 16, 1987, in Bogotá, Colombia
He made his debut as a novillero in 1952 and quickly stood out for his natural talent and his bravery in the ring. He took his alternative in Barcelona, Spain, on June 13, 1956, with Antonio Bienvenida as his godfather and Julio Aparicio as his witness. The bull in his alternative was called "Aguardentero", from the Urquijo ranch.
He confirmed his alternative at the Las Ventas Bullring in Madrid on May 18, 1958, with Pepe Dominguín as godfather and Juan García "Mondeño" as witness.
Known for his elegance and refined technique, Pepe Cáceres was a bullfighter who combined art and courage. Throughout his career, he achieved numerous successes and performed in the most important bullfighting arenas in the world, including Madrid, Seville, and Mexico. He was highly respected both in his native country and in Spain and other bullfighting countries.
On July 20, 1987, Pepe Cáceres suffered a serious goring in the Bullring of Sogamoso, Colombia. Despite medical efforts, he died a month later due to complications from the injury.
Legacy
Impact on Colombian Bullfighting:
Pepe Cáceres is considered one of the greatest Colombian bullfighters of all time and a central figure in the bullfighting history of Colombia. His influence lives on and his name is synonymous with excellence and dedication in bullfighting.
His legacy has been honoured with multiple tributes and memorials in Colombia and the bullfighting world. The Bullring in Bogotá, one of the most important in Colombia, is a place where his memory is constantly remembered.
Pepe Cáceres left an indelible mark on bullfighting, and his life and career continue to be an inspiration to many fans and bullfighters in Colombia and beyond.
Other famous Colombian bullfighters:
César Rincón (1965-) born on September 5, 1965 in : Bogotá, Colombia. He is one of the most recognized bullfighters in Colombia and an important figure in world bullfighting. He gained international fame in 1991 by triumphing four times in Madrid's Plaza de Las Ventas in a single season, an impressive achievement. His classic style and bravery have earned him numerous followers and awards in the world of bullfighting.
Ricardo Torres (1975-)
Born on April 16, 1975 in Bogotá, Colombia; He has been a prominent figure in the bullrings of Colombia and has had performances in Spain and Mexico. His technique and dedication in the ring have made him very popular among fans.
Luis Bolívar (1985-): born April 21, 1985 in Cali, Colombia;
his bravery and skill in the ring. He has had an outstanding career in Colombia, as well as in places in Spain and France. He has worked with bulls from the most prestigious farms and has received numerous awards.
Pepe Manrique (1969-): born: May 14, 1969 in Bogotá, Colombia, has been a consistent and respected bullfighter in the Colombian bullfighting world. He has participated in numerous important bullfights in Latin America and has been recognized for his technique and dedication.
Guillermo Perla Ruiz (1982-): born March 25, 1982, Bogotá, Colombia; highlighted in Colombian bullrings for his artistic style and his ability to handle difficult bulls. Although he has had a more local career, his impact on Colombian bullfighting is significant.
Paco Perlaza (1978-) born on February 2, 1978 in Cali, Colombia; another outstanding Colombian bullfighter who has shone both in his country and in international arenas. He is known for his elegance and technical ability in the ring.
Colombian Bullfighters:
Conchita Cintron (1922-2009)
Born August 9, 1922 in Antofagasta, Chile (of Peruvian and Portuguese nationality, but with a significant career in Colombia); Although she is not Colombian by birth, Conchita Cintrón, popular as "The Blonde Goddess", was one of the most famous bullfighters of the 20th century and had a distinguished career in Colombia. She was a pioneering figure in female bullfighting and left an indelible mark on Latin American bullfighting.
Amina Assis (1988-)
Born July 26, 1988, Bogotá, Colombia.
Amina Assís began her bullfighting career at a very young age, showing great interest and talent in a predominantly male field. She attended bullfights as a child.
He took the alternative on February 9, 2014 at the Santamaría Bullring in Bogotá. Her godfather was the famous bullfighter César Rincón, and the witness of the ceremony was the Spanish bullfighter Morante de la Puebla. His alternative bull was called "Valiente" from the Mondoñedo ranch.
Amina is known for her elegance and artistry in the ring. Her technique and grace when dealing with bulls have made her stand out among her peers and have made her very popular among fans.
Throughout her career, she has had numerous successes in the main bullrings of Colombia and has performed in Spain, Mexico and France. She has been recognized with several awards for her outstanding performance in the ring, including trophies for the best bullfight and the most courageous bullfighter.
Contribution to women's bullfighting:
Amina Assís is an important figure in women's bullfighting, being one of the few women who has achieved recognition in this field in Colombia. She has opened doors and served as an inspiration for other women interested in bullfighting.
Her success has helped to increase the visibility of women in bullfighting and has shown that bullfighting can be a viable and respected career for women. Her dedication and passion for bullfighting continue to inspire future generations of female bullfighters.
Amina has been honoured on several occasions for her contribution to bullfighting and for her bravery in the ring. Her career continues to be closely followed by bullfighting fans and critics.
Other notable Colombian female bullfighters:
In addition to Amina Assís, other women have made history in Colombian bullfighting:
Paola Vanegas (1984-)
Another Colombian bullfighter who has gained recognition for her skill and bravery in the ring. Paola has participated in various bullfights both in Colombia and abroad, standing out for her technique and style.
Amina Assís and other Colombian bullfighters have played a crucial role in the evolution of bullfighting in Colombia, breaking barriers and demonstrating that the art of bullfighting has no gender. Her legacy endures and continues to inspire new generations of women in the bullfighting world.
Jaime González "El Puno" (1946-1991) born on September 1, 1946 in Duitama, Boyacá, Colombia and died : February 7, 1991 in Duitama.
Jaime González "El Puno" showed great interest and talent in bullfighting from a very young age. He began his bullfighting training in his hometown, where he quickly stood out for his skill and bravery in the ring.
He took his alternative on December 13, 1969 at the Santamaría Bullring in Bogotá. His godfather was the Spanish bullfighter Paco Camino, and his witness was the Colombian bullfighter Pepe Cáceres. The bull of his alternative was called "Marinero" from the Achury Viejo ranch.
"El Puno" was known for his classic and elegant style, as well as for his refined technique and courage when facing bulls. His ability to connect with the public and his skill in the ring made him very popular among fans.
Throughout his career, "El Puno" achieved numerous successes in the main bullrings of Colombia and in other bullfighting countries such as Mexico, Spain and Venezuela. He was awarded several prizes and trophies for his outstanding performances and his contribution to bullfighting.
His international career was notable, especially in important bullrings in Spain and Mexico, where he shared posters with some of the most renowned bullfighters of his time.
Jaime González "El Puno" is considered one of the most important figures in the history of Colombian bullfighting. His success and style inspired many generations of bullfighters in Colombia and helped consolidate the presence of Colombian bullfighting on the international stage.
Since his death, he has been honoured on multiple occasions for his contribution to bullfighting. His legacy lives on in the memory of fans and in the history of Colombian bullfighting.
The work "IA, Toreros Históricos" by José Saul Velásquez Restrepo offers a broad overview of bullfighting, exploring both the figure of the fighting bull and that of bullfighters, with a focus on the historical and cultural evolution of this tradition. Here are some key points and my opinion on the content: Fighting Bulls : Breed and Characteristics : Fighting bulls, belonging to the "Bos taurus ibericus" breed, are bred specifically for bullfighting, standing out for their size, strength and bravery.
Breeding and Selection : The selection process in specialized ranches ensures that the bulls have the ideal characteristics for bullfights, such as bravery and endurance.
Bullfighters :
Types and Training : The hierarchy between matadors, subalterns and novilleros is detailed, highlighting the rigorous training that the profession requires from an early age.
Bullfights and Risks : The description of bullfights and the inherent risks underscores the dangerousness and courage needed to be a bullfighter.
Cultural and Controversial Aspect :
Cultural : Bullfights are events deeply rooted in the festivities and traditions of certain cultures, with a strong admiration for bullfighters.
Controversial : The text also addresses the growing opposition to bullfighting, focusing on criticisms about animal welfare and the ethics of this practice.
Historical and Contemporary Bullfighters :
Historical : The work takes a tour of legendary figures such as Juan Belmonte, Manolete and Joselito "El Gallo", highlighting their contributions and unique styles that marked golden ages in bullfighting.
Contemporary : Names such as Enrique Ponce, José Tomás and Andrés Roca Rey are presented, showing the evolution and present of bullfighting with current bullfighters who keep this tradition alive.
Bullfighters in Latin America and Other Countries :
Famous Colombians : The inclusion of Colombian figures such as Pepe Cáceres and César Rincón highlights the influence and legacy of bullfighting in Latin America.
Female Bullfighters : The mention of female bullfighters such as Conchita Cintrón and Amina Assís highlights the growing role of women in a predominantly male field.
Basic Terminology :
A glossary of bullfighting terms such as "faena," "verónica," and "estocada" provides a basic understanding of the technical and artistic elements of a bullfight.
