Colombian bullfighter César Rincón, retired since 2007, announced yesterday in Seville his return to the bullrings at age 60 to defend bullfighting culture in Colombia, set to be banned next year by decree from Gustavo Petro's government. He plans pre-Columbian bullfights in Colombia and Europe, without specific dates yet.
César Rincón made the announcement in Seville, stating his return is "an act of rebellion" against the bullfight ban in Colombia. "My return to the bullrings is an act of rebellion, driven by discomfort at seeing my passion and Colombia's centuries-old bullfighting roots attacked," the bullfighter declared.
Alongside Mexican entrepreneur Guillermo Chapa, Rincón will organize "pre-Columbian bullfights," special events with staging and attire evoking Colombia's indigenous cultures. These will occur during the Spanish bullfighting season and Colombia's final campaign, not in standard circuits but on specific dates. At 60, he claims to be physically ready.
Retired since 2007, Rincón achieved the feat of exiting through Las Ventas' Puerta Grande four consecutive times in 1991, plus two more times and recently in a festival honoring Antonio Chenel Antoñete on October 12. This winter he performed in festivals in Cali and Manizales, and is scheduled for Istres in June as preparation.
Rincón, who took his alternativa in Bogotá in 1982 with Antoñete as godfather, aims to pass on a legacy of perseverance to younger fans. "I want to leave them a legacy of perseverance, dedication, and passion," he said, inspired by rediscovering purpose after a comfortable retirement.
