Bullfighter Rivera Bids Adieu to Ruedos Amid Notable Family Absences

22-09-2025


Cayetano Rivera, the renowned Spanish bullfighter, brought his two-decade-long career to a close on Saturday with an emotional farewell performance at the Écija bullring. The event marked the end of twenty seasons in the ruedos for the torero, who received a standing ovation from devoted fans during his final appearance. Rivera shared the card with prominent bullfighting figures including Curro Díaz and Ángel Jiménez, known as El Astigitano, creating a memorable afternoon for attendees.

The farewell ceremony was notable for the absence of Rivera's three brothers, despite the presence of other close family members. His brothers Francisco, Kiko, and Julián Contreras were all missing from the event, creating a conspicuous gap in the family representation. However, Rivera was accompanied by relatives including his sister-in-law Lourdes Montes, along with Cayetano Martínez de Irujo and Bárbara Mirjan, who witnessed the torero's emotional departure from the profession.

One of the most poignant moments occurred when Rivera dedicated a bull to his son, who received his father's montera cap and raised it before the applauding crowd. The ceremony reached its climax as Rivera was carried out on the shoulders of fellow bullfighters amid cheers and recognition from the packed plaza. The event served as a fitting tribute to Rivera's extensive career, which began more than twenty years ago when he took his alternativa.

Following the event, Rivera confirmed his retirement through social media, posting a photograph of himself in his bullfighting attire accompanied by the single word "Fin." The concise announcement capped what has been described as a particularly challenging year for the bullfighter, who recently faced legal issues following an incident with Madrid police in June. Rivera's retirement marks the conclusion of what many consider a significant chapter in Spanish bullfighting history.

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