Biography:
Nicolasa Escamilla, also known as La Pajuelera, was a groundbreaking Spanish bullfighter and chopper during the 18th century. She is recognized as a pioneer woman in bullfighting, both for her early involvement in the sport and for her exceptional skill in handling the stopping rod. Nicolasa’s first recorded appearance in bullfighting performances dates back to 1747.
La Pajuelera belonged to the category of picadores, which held great significance in the bullfighting world during the 18th century. At that time, the bullfighter on horseback took precedence over the bullfighter on foot, who had yet to gain the prominence they would acquire in later years, thanks in part to the influence of Joaquín Rodríguez, also known as Costillares.
Despite her significant contributions to the sport, controversy surrounds Nicolasa Escamilla’s birthdate. José María de Cossío, in his work Los toros volumen II (1996), suggests that she was born in 1776 in Valdemoro, Madrid, without providing specific reference sources. However, other authors, such as Sánchez de Neira in his work Gran diccionario taurómaco (1896), mention Valdemoro as her birthplace but do not specify her birth year. Instead, they reference 1776 as the year in which La Pajuelera was already actively participating in bullfighting. Sánchez de Neira cites a book written by D. José Daza, owned by Mr. Espinosa, as a source for this information.
In Lanzas, espadas y lances (1996), José Delfín Val Sánchez provides further insights into Nicolasa Escamilla’s life, presenting multiple data points supported by references. Val mentions Valdemoro as her place of origin but omits her birth year. He also refers to 1776 as a period when La Pajuelera was already involved in bullfighting, citing Sánchez de Neira as a source. Val further highlights a writing from Father Sarmiento in 1762, echoed by Vargas Ponce in Dissertations on bullfighting (1807), which mentions Sarmiento’s works consulted by Val. Finally, Val mentions a document in the General Archive of the Palace, preserved by Patrimonio Nacional, which confirms that on August 8, 1748, a bullfighting event took place featuring La Pajuelera, alongside Juan de Luna and José Daza. Notably, José Daza is the same picador and bullfighting chronicler mentioned by Sánchez de Neira as the author of the manuscript in Mr. Espinosa’s possession.
Nicolasa Escamilla’s contribution to the world of bullfighting and her pioneering role as a woman in the sport cannot be understated. Her skill with the stopping rod and her early involvement in bullfighting laid the groundwork for future generations of female bullfighters. Despite the controversy surrounding her birthdate, Escamilla’s impact on the sport remains undeniable, making her a significant figure in women’s history.