"El Fandi" Tentando

Matador de toros de lidia, David Fandila "El Fandi" is one of the most popular toreros in Spain and throughout the Americas. He is always spoken of for the incredible ability he has of placing the banderillas. Banderillas are the sticks 65cms/25 inches long that are usually placed in three separate pairs.

Placing banderillas is part of all young matadors training. Some do it well but "El Fandi" is one of the most spectacular! He is so good at it that it is rare that anyone writes about his ability with the capote/large cape or the muleta, the small one although he is accomplished with both.

The photos in this post were taken in the ganaderia/bull breeding ranch of don Javier Sordo Madaleno Bringas, "Xajay." The ganaderia is situated near the pueblo of Tequisquiapan in the central Mexican state of Queretaro.

The tentadero/testing arena of Xajay sits below and in front of a huge tree and as most tientas are at mid day, it leaves the arena at times in half shade, half sun. Which, makes it complicated for the photographer.

The day these photos were taken, "El Fandi" was testing a novillo, a young bull to see if it would serve as a semental/seed bull.

In the photos you will see the beauty and nobility of the animal, his commitment. His head is down and he's leading with his horns. And, you will see the temple/timing of "El Fandi's" movements with the cape and muleta, always keeping the cloth just beyond the reach of the animal's horns.

Saludos,
Morgan

David Silveti "El Rey" Part 1

In Mexico David Silveti Barry is always referred to as "El Rey/The king!" He was handsome, tall, fair, and gentle in his speech. An accomplished torero/bullfighter who suffered physically from the vocation that was his life. He was adored while he was alive by the Mexican aficion for his dedication to the bulls and now that he has chosen to leave us, he has become a hero in Mexican taurine history.

David was dedicated to the bulls, but they were not kind to him. He had several operations on his knees and wore a harness to bind them, but at times they failed him in spite of it. In some of the pictures that follow you can see the outline of the chest protector he wore.

In November of 2002 David came to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico to appear in a benefit for FAI, a childrens fund associated with the United Nations. The day before the festival, don Benigno Perez Lizaur the bull breeder of the ranch, "Santa Maria de Xalpa" had a tienta in David's honor. A tienta is a testing of young animals and gives the matadors an opportunity to practice.

In the photos that follow I believe you will be able to see the beauty in Davids movements. The passes he makes with the small cape, the muleta, are called naturales. The natural is to me the simplest and most beautiful.

With the capote/the large cape.

And with the small cape the muleta, the left hand, the natural.

The last foto is of David with the ganadero, don Benigno Perez Lizaur.

Matador de toros de lidia, don David Silveti Barry que en paz descanse. May he rest in peace...

Saludos,

Morgan