The world of bullfighting is in mourning after the loss of one of its most emblematic figures, Paco Caminowho passed away on the night of this Monday, July 29, at the age of 83. The Sevillian maestro, affectionately known as the “Wise Boy of Camas”has given his last farewell in a hospital in Navalmoral de la Mata, after several complications in his health. Camino lived on his farm “Los Caminos” in Arenas de San Pedro, Ávila, where he was dedicated to breeding fighting cattle, although His remains are expected to travel to Camas for a final farewell..
Born as Francisco Camino Sanchez On December 15, 1940 in Camas, Seville, Paco Camino stood out from a young age in the bullfighting world. Son of Rafael Caminoknown as “Rafaelillo de Camas”, the young Paco demonstrated an innate talent that led him to debut at just 14 years old. His alternative came on April 17, 1960 in Valenciain a corrida sponsored by Jaime Ostos and with Alfonso Carlos Gomez Alvarez ‘Mondeño’ as a witness, where he cut ears from both bulls in his lot.
| Social networks
Camino quickly earned a place among the elite of bullfighting, standing out in such important arenas as Las Ventas in Madrid. His career was marked by numerous triumphs, including 12 exits through the Puerta Grande of Las Ventas. He was especially recognized for his elegance with the cape and the muleta, as well as for his bravery and poise in the ring.
One of the most tragic episodes in the life of Paco Camino was the death of his brother Joaquin Caminowho was also part of his team as a banderillero. This event occurred in 1973 during a bullfight in Barcelona. Joaquín received a fatal goring, which deeply affected Paco and the world of bullfighting in general.The tragedy not only marked a turning point in Camino’s personal life, but also had an impact on his professional career, leading him to temporarily retire from the bullring.
A life dedicated to bullfighting
Paco Camino too left an indelible mark on Mexicowhere he is remembered for his memorable performances, such as the one with the bull “Traguito” in 1962. During his career, he fought in numerous countries, taking the art of bullfighting beyond Spanish borders. In 1967, he won the Mayte Trophy at the San Isidro fair, and in 1970, he cut eight ears in a charity bullfight in Las Ventas.consolidating his status as a bullfighting legend.
| Social networks
Despite suffering serious goring, Camino continued to fight until his retirement in 1983, closing his career with a final appearance in Nimes in 1987 to grant the alternative to his son, Rafi Camino.. In that same celebration, the bullfighter Miguel Báez Spinola “The Litri” He also received the alternative from his father, the renowned matador The Litri. Both the ‘old’ Litri and Camino reappeared for one day and also retired again that same day. After his retirement, Camino dedicated himself to cattle breeding and maintained an active profile in the promotion of bullfighting.
| The Digital Closure
On March 3, 2020, he finally received his academic recognition at the Spanish University, receiving at the Colegio Mayor de San Pablo, in Madrid, the Joaquín Vidal National University Bullfighting Awardin its 14th edition, in memory of the great bullfighting critic of the newspaper The countryJoaquin Vidal. The bullfighter from Camas He was selected by the Luis Mazzantini University Bullfighting Circle, chaired by Professor Javier López-Galiachofor his legend in the bullrings. The matador received this award in person, after many years of absence from public view, and gave a short speech to the attendees.
The legacy of Paco Camino
Paco Camino’s legacy is vast and enduring. Considered a “Mozart of bullfighting”His influence extends beyond his own time, serving as an inspiration for future generations of bullfighters. His style, characterized by a perfect balance between technique and art, remains a model to follow in bullfighting. The news of his death has moved the bullfighting community and his admirers, who fondly remember his brilliant performances and his contribution to the art of bullfighting.
| Social networks
The “Wise Boy of Camas” not only left a deep mark on the history of Spanish bullfighting, but also He became an ambassador of bullfighting culture throughout the worldHis life and work continue to be celebrated and studied, ensuring that his memory lives on as one of the great figures of bullfighting.
WE NEED YOU! Collaborate with THE DIGITAL CLOSURE to support investigative journalism and maintain the freedom of information that those in power try to limit. You can also subscribe to our channel Youtube.
