Born: 1972 (Parla, Madrid)
Cristina Sánchez de Pablos, born on February 20, 1972, in Parla, Madrid, is a retired bullfighter, bullfighting commentator, and Spanish proxy. Growing up in a bullfighting environment as the daughter of the banderillero Antonio Sánchez, Cristina was destined for a life dedicated to the world of the bull.
At the young age of fifteen in 1987, Cristina had her first taste of the bullfighting arena when she stood in front of a cow in the tourist complex La Capea de Talamanca de Jarama, Madrid. From that moment, she knew that her life’s path would revolve around the bull. In 1989, she joined the Bullfighting School of Madrid and represented the school in a festival in 1991, where she achieved first place.
Cristina’s official debut with picadores took place in Valdemorillo, Madrid, on February 13, 1993. However, it was on July 24 of the same year in Toledo when she made a significant impact. Frustrated by the unwillingness of bullfighters to share the stage with her, she took matters into her own hands and performed alone, making a bold statement against gender discrimination in bullfighting.
Throughout her career, Cristina went on to participate in 200 becerradas and novilladas, an impressive number of celebrations. On July 8, 1995, she made history by becoming the first bullfighter to leave through the prestigious big door of Las Ventas in Madrid. This breakthrough moment solidified her status as a trailblazer in the bullfighting world.
On September 24, 1995, Cristina made an appearance in Plaza México, where she alternated with Alfonso Ramírez El Calesa and Diego Martín Rubito. She continued to make waves, taking the alternative in Nimes, France, on May 25, 1996. Her alternative ceremony was graced by Curro Romero as the godfather and José María Manzanares as the witness.
In 1996, Cristina achieved another remarkable milestone by fighting hand in hand with Manuel Díaz El Cordobés in La Maestranza, making her the first bullfighter to make the paseíllo in this prestigious square. That same year, she fought in 36 bullfights in Mexico and confirmed her alternative in Plaza Mexico. Miguel Espinosa Armillita Chico served as her godfather, with Alejandro Silveti as the witness.
The following year, on May 12, 1998, Cristina confirmed her alternative in Las Ventas de Madrid. This made her the first bullfighter to confirm her alternative in that arena since the Spanish Juana Cruz in the 1940s. Prior to Cristina, Marie Sara had also confirmed her alternative in Las Ventas, but as a rejoneadora (mounted bullfighter), not as a matadora (standing bullfighter). Throughout her career, Cristina participated in a total of 30 bullfights in America and 60 in Spain, leaving a lasting impact on both continents.
Cristina skillfully utilized her position as a female bullfighter to promote her career. She embraced her role as a standard-bearer for feminism in 1990s Spain, gaining significant popularity. However, her gender also posed challenges, as some of her colleagues refused to share the bullring with her. Despite these obstacles, Cristina’s determination and prowess in the arena solidified her as an influential figure in women’s history and the world of bullfighting.
Awards:
– Omitting this section, as there are no official awards or recognitions mentioned in the provided information.