Paquirri

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09.05.71 Paquirri (1971) - 53Fi494

Paquirri (Francisco Rivera Pérez; March 5, 1948 – September 26, 1984) was a renowned Spanish bullfighter who gained fame for his skill and bravery in the bullring. He was born in Zahara de los Atunes, a small village in the province of Cádiz, Spain. Paquirri is remembered as one of the most prominent figures in the world of bullfighting during the 20th century.

Early Life

Paquirri was born into a family with a strong bullfighting tradition. His father, Antonio Rivera Alvarado, was also a bullfighter, which greatly influenced Paquirri's career choice. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in the art of bullfighting and began training under the guidance of his father and other experienced matadors.

Career

Paquirri made his debut as a novillero (junior bullfighter) in 1962 and quickly gained recognition for his talent. He took the alternativa (a ceremony in which a novillero becomes a full-fledged matador) on August 11, 1966, in Barcelona, with Miguel Mateo "Miguelín" as his godfather and Paco Camino as the witness.

Throughout his career, Paquirri performed in numerous bullrings across Spain and Latin America, earning a reputation for his courage and technical prowess. He was known for his ability to execute complex and dangerous maneuvers with precision and grace.

Personal Life

Paquirri was married twice. His first marriage was to Lourdes Rivera, with whom he had two sons, Francisco Rivera Ordóñez and Cayetano Rivera Ordóñez, both of whom followed in their father's footsteps to become bullfighters. After his divorce from Lourdes, Paquirri married the famous Spanish singer Isabel Pantoja in 1983. The couple had one son, Francisco José Rivera Pantoja.

Death

Paquirri's life was tragically cut short on September 26, 1984, when he was fatally gored by a bull named Avispado during a bullfight in Pozoblanco, Córdoba. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries. His death was a significant loss to the bullfighting community and marked the end of an era in the sport.

Legacy

Paquirri's legacy lives on through his sons, who have continued the family tradition of bullfighting. He is remembered as one of the greatest matadors of his time, and his contributions to the art of bullfighting are celebrated by enthusiasts and historians alike.

See Also

• Bullfighting
• Matador
• Francisco Rivera Ordóñez
• Cayetano Rivera Ordóñez
• Isabel Pantoja