Rodolfo Gaona
Rodolfo Gaona Jiménez (22 January 1888 – 20 May 1975),[1] was a Mexican torero, known as "The Caliph De León".
Born in Lion of the Aldamas, Guanajuato City, Mexico on 22 January 1888,[1] Jiménez was a famous bullfighter. He crafted bullfighting techniques that are still used. The technique that brought his fame was called the "Gaonera" in which the torero runs towards the bull with the red cape behind their body. He also created centenary techniques. He is considered to be one of the more elegant toreros. His parents were Roberto Gaona and Regina Jiménez.[1]
Career
Mexico
Gaona debuted on 1 October 1905 in the square Mexico City.
The years 1920 to 1924 were Jiménez's most successful.
Spain
Rodolfo Gaona Jiménez arrived in Spain in the year 1908.
On 15 July 1908, Jiménez was inaugurated in the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas of Madrid.
On 31 May 1908, in Tetouan of the Victories (Madrid) with bulls of Basilio Peñalver, his godfather Manuel Lara, "The Jerezano", offered him the bull "Rabanero". After several performances in Madrid the bull surrendered to Rodolfo.
Retirement
Gaona Jiménez retired from the arena on April 12, 1924. This was during the same time as the Mexican festival in the Monumental square of bullfighting "La Condesa", Mexico City, in a magnificent afternoon in which estoqueó seven bulls.
Death
Rodolfo Gaona died on 20 May 1975 in the City of Mexico at the age of 87.