Bullfighter returns to the bullring after being gored in the face

The matador, who is also known by his professional name of “the Cyclone
of Jerez,” wore a glittering matador’s “suit of lights”
outfit that had been made for the occasion in gold braid and olive green, “for
hope,” according to his tailor, Justo Algaba. Stitching on the suit
traced the shape of laurel leaves because “they were used to crown the
brows of audacious combatants and great heroes,” Algaba said.

Spanish bullfighter Juan Jose Padilla adjusts his ‘montera’ or
bullfighter hat before the bullfight (AP)

Padilla was greeted with loud cheers and enthusiastic handclapping as he
walked into the ring to the traditional “paso doble” brass band
music, before having two unaccompanied flamenco style “saeta”
songs dedicated to him, an honour rarely accorded to bullfighters.

Despite lacking the two-eyed stereoscopic vision that allows people to judge
distances and the speed of approaching objects accurately, Padilla had
little trouble killing his first bull before dedicating the second beast to
his tearful father, who embraced his son after the kill. Padilla was awarded
one ear for each of his two kills. The maximum accolade a matador can
achieve is two ears and a tail for each bull slain.

“He’s been looking forward so much to starting this new phase in his
life,” his manager, Diego Robles, said.

After slaying his final bull, Padilla was carried out of the ring among
jubilant crowd scenes on the shoulders of fellow bullfighters who had shared
the billing with him, a very rare salute.

Celebrations commemorating Padilla’s successful return were expected to last
well into the night in the rural town.

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