author
Francisco Montes
1805–1851
A larger-than-life figure in 19th-century Spain, he helped shape modern bullfighting and became famous under the nickname "Paquiro." His life mixed showmanship, discipline, and lasting influence far beyond the arena.
1 Audiobook
Tauromaquia completa, ó sea, El arte de torear en plaza
by Francisco Montes
About the author
Born in Chiclana de la Frontera, Spain, in 1805, Francisco Montes Reina became one of the best-known matadors of his era. He was widely known as Paquiro, and his fame made him a standout public figure in Spanish popular culture.
Before entering the bullring, he had planned on a very different future, reportedly aiming to study surgery. Financial setbacks changed that path, and he turned instead to bullfighting, where he built a major reputation during the early 19th century.
Paquiro is remembered not just for celebrity, but for influence: he is often associated with helping formalize bullfighting practice and style in Spain. He died in 1851, but his name remained important enough to be attached to museums, biographies, and the broader history of the sport.