Sol y Sombra

Rafael Ortega (1970-2023)

I recently reviewed all of my photos of Rafael Ortega, whom I saw twice, once in Leon, Guanajuato in 2010, and once in Tijuana in 2011.

I posted a few of them last year, shortly after his passing.

I will post more now, over the next few posts.

Tijuana, Plaza Monumental, August 7, 2011:

 

 

 

Rafael Ortega, 1970-2023

Tlaxcaltecan matador Rafael Ortega passed away this week at the young age of 53.

I was privileged to see him in the ring twice, once in León, Guanajuato in January, 2010, in a cartel with El Juli and Mario Aguilar (1991-2018), and then the following year in Tijuana, in a cartel with Humberto Flores and Enrique Espinoza "El Cuate."

In León:

 

In Tijuana:

 

José Rodriguez, "Pepehillo"

I enjoy matadors who place their own banderillas. José Rodriguez "Pepehillo" was always one to excite the crowd with his banderillas, including when he broke them in two (quebrados, or cortos), such as this time in Tijuana's Plaza Monumental on August 31, 2008.

Arturo Macias

Arturo Macias holds a rose thrown by a fan after his faena with his first bull of the afternoon.

Photographed at Tijuana's Plaza Monumental on August 11, 2013.

Cotton Candy

A vendor selling algodón dulce, walks through the deserted upper section of Sól (sunny side).

Photographed in Tijuana's Plaza Monumental on October 7, 2007 (my first bullfight!)

Conference

The alguacíl of Tijuana's Plaza Monumental lends an ear to an associate in the callejón.

Photographed on November 2, 2013.

El Payo

Octavio García, "El Payo," performing at Tijuana's Plaza Monumental on August 12, 2012.

Federico Pizarro

Another photo of Federico Pizarro, photographed on April 12, 2015. I was pleased that the Aficionados de los Angeles used this photo on the back cover of their most recent newsletter, which commemorated his recent retirement.

Federico Pizarro

Federic Pizarro recently retired from the bullring.

Here he passes a bull from the ganadería Pozo Hondo at Tijuana's Plaza Monumental, on April 12, 2015.

Enrique Ponce

Enrique Ponce is perhaps the most elegant of all matadors.

Here he performs in Tijuana's Plaza Monumental on November 1, 2009, facing a bull from the ganadería Teofilo Gomez.

Bull in Motion

A bull (ganadería Los Encinos) follows the capote of the matador's assistant as it circles the ring.

Photographed at Tijuana's Plaza Monumental on May 25, 2008.

Lupita López

Lupita López, during her performance in Tijuana's Plaza Monumental on September 24, 2011.

Muchas Vidas

The bull, Muchas Vidas, having regained its composure, faces Eulalio López, El Zotoluco. Photographed at Tijuana's Plaza Monumental on May 12, 2013.

Muchas Vidas

The bull, Muchas Vidas, (ganadería La Estancia), stumbles upon entering the bullring to face El Zotoluco. Photographed at Tijuana's Plaza Monumental on May 12, 2013.

 

El Zotoluco

Eulalio Lopez, El Zotoluco, and his capote. July 3, 2011, Tijuana's Plaza Monumental.

Eulalio López, El Zotoluco

El Zotoluco receives roses after his performance in Tijuana's Plaza Monumental on July 3, 2011.

Eulalio López, El Zotoluco

El Zotoluco was one of Mexico's most beloved and admired matadors until his retirement last year.

Here he performs in Tijuana's Plaza Monumental on August 23, 2009.

Joselito Adame

Joselito Adame, with his first bull at Tijuana's Plaza Monumental, on November 21, 2015. He would cut one ear from this bull.

Remolón

Remolón, (ganadería Sante Fe del Campo), is removed from Tijuana's Plaza Monumental bullring, after facing Andrés Roca Rey on November 21, 2015. Roca Rey would cut two ears from this bull.

Octavio García, El Payo

El Payo faces a bull in Tijuana's Plaza Monumental on March 22, 2015. El Payo will perform in Tijuana's Caliente Plaza de Toros on November 18.

Farruco

The bull Farruco (ganadería Pozo Hondo), is led out of Tijuana's Plaza Monumental, after facing Peruvian matador Andrés Roca Rey on November 8, 2015. Roca Rey would cut two ears from the bull.

Armillita IV

Fermín Espinoza, Armillita IV, receives two ears for his second bull at Tijuana's Plaza Monumental on November 8, 2015. Armillita will perform in Tijuana's Caliente Plaza de Toros on November 18.

Carnation

A young lady holds a carnation during the bullfight of November 21, 2015, thinking about tossing it to Andrés Roca Rey.

Cigar

A fan enjoys a cigar at the bullfights. Photographed at Tijuana's Plaza Monumental on November 8, 2015.

Arturo Macías

Arturo Macías passes the bull Vidriero (ganadería Santa Fé del Campo), while looking at the audience. Photographed during the corrida of November 21, 2015, at Tijuana's Plaza Monumental.