Paquirri

This article is about the Spanish bullfighter. For other people with similar names, see Francisco Rivera. For the son, also a Spanish bullfighter, see Francisco Rivera Ordóñez.

Paquirri
In 1971
Born	Francisco Rivera Pérez (1948-03-05)March 5, 1948 Zahara de los Atunes, Cádiz, Andalucia, Spain
Died	September 26, 1984(1984-09-26) (aged 36) Pozoblanco, Córdoba, Andalucía, Spain
Nationality	Spanish
Spouse(s)	Carmen Ordoñez (1973–1979, divorced), Isabel Pantoja (1983–1984, his death)

Francisco Rivera Pérez, known as Paquirri (March 5, 1948 – September 26, 1984), was a Spanish bullfighter.

Bullfighting career

Paquirri's alternativa was set for 17 July 1966 at La Monumental in Barcelona, with Antonio Bienvenida standing as "godfather" and Andrés Vázquez as witness, with bulls supplied by Juan Pedro Domecq. However, the ceremony could not be completed as Paquirri suffered a serious goring in the right thigh in the ensuing bullfight. The postponement lasted until 11 August that same year at the same bullring, when he finally completed the ceremony, this time with Paco Camino standing as "godfather" and Santiago Martín "El Viti" as witness, and with bulls bearing Carlos Urquijo de Federico's brand.

Death

Paquirri was gored by a bull named "Avispado" (Spanish for street-smart, or wasp-like) during a bullfight in Pozoblanco (Córdoba), and died while he was being transported to Córdoba Hospital. His death led to legislative changes that required bullrings to be equipped with intensive care units.

Family

He was first married to Carmen Ordóñez, with whom he had two sons, Francisco Rivera Ordóñez and Cayetano Rivera Ordóñez. Both sons are matadors and part of the Ordóñez family bullfighting dynasty. After divorcing Carmen Ordóñez, he married the famous Spanish singer Isabel Pantoja, with whom he had a son named Francisco José Rivera Pantoja, better known as Kiko Rivera. His brother José Rivera Pérez, better known as "Riverita" was also a bullfighter.

See also

• List of bullfighters