2024 is a significant year for Francisco and Cayetano Rivera as it marks the 40th anniversary of their father, Francisco Rivera “Paquirri,” who tragically died on September 26, 1984, from a bull attack by a bull named Avispado during a bullfight in Pozoblanco. Additionally, it also signifies 20 years since their mother, Carmen Ordóñez, passed away on July 23, 2004, leaving her two sons orphaned. This double tragedy has been a hard burden for the Rivera Ordóñez brothers, who inherited a deep passion for bullfighting from their father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. When their father passed away, they were just 10 and 7 years old, and they faced the heartbreak of losing their mother when they were 30 and 27.
They are not alone in their sorrow. Julián Contreras Jr., the third child of Carmen Ordóñez from her second marriage to Julián Contreras, has also endured significant loss. He experienced his parents’ separation, was affected by the alleged mistreatment of his mother by Ernesto Neyra, and ultimately faced the passing of his mother at just 18 years old.
Much has changed in the lives of Carmen Ordóñez’s three children since that last goodbye. Francisco Rivera has moved on from his relationship with Eugenia Martínez de Irujo, and they share a daughter, Cayetana, who is now 24. She bears a striking resemblance to her grandmother. Francisco is now happily married to Lourdes Montes, a lawyer turned designer. They have two children together, Carmen and Curro, aged 8 and 5. The couple married twice, first on September 14, 2013, at their family home in Ronda and later in the Church of Los Marineros in Seville on July 12, 2014, a location of great significance to Francisco.
As time went on, Francisco decided to retire from bullfighting, officially ending his career on September 2, 2017, during the Goyesca bullfight in Ronda, after 23 years in the ring. He stepped away for many reasons, including the desire not to cause fear and worry for his family, particularly for Lourdes.
Today, the relationship between Francisco and his brother Cayetano is strained. Despite sharing the same blood, they have drifted apart since the 2019 Goyesca in Ronda when Francisco did not include Cayetano in the bullfight lineup. Since then, they have rarely been spotted together. Francisco remarked, “With Cayetano, there’s neither peace nor war. It’s just the way things are. We are brothers above all.”
The distance between the brothers intensified after Francisco publicly criticized Cayetano’s skills as a bullfighter, a comment that did not sit well with Cayetano. Nonetheless, both understand that despite their differences, they remain brothers, admitting, “Cayetano and I are not alike, and we clash on many issues. Our relationship is normal; we talk when necessary, and when not, we don’t.”
Cayetano, who recently separated from Eva González, is focused on his bullfighting career. He is scheduled to participate in a tribute bullfight for his father in Málaga on the 40th anniversary of his passing. While managing his professional life, he is also dedicated to raising his only son, Cayetano Jr., who is 6. After his split from the former Miss Spain, he found love again with Portuguese television presenter María Cerqueira, with whom he has been dating for a year and a half. She has even attended some of his bullfights to show her support.
In contrast, Francisco and Cayetano maintain a different rapport with Julián Contreras Jr., who is now 38 years old. A significant fallout occurred earlier this year, with both brothers trading accusations regarding their mother’s struggles with alleged mistreatment from Ernesto Neyra. Julián criticized Francisco in a magazine interview, calling him arrogant and lacking self-criticism, stating he has no relationship with any of his siblings, highlighting the irony that Francisco does not accept responsibility.
Despite their past differences and financial troubles, Julián’s primary concern is now their father, who has been diagnosed with a degenerative illness and has undergone surgery for a serious condition that could lead to blindness.
The Rivera Ordóñez siblings continue to navigate the complexities of their relationships and shared history while honoring their parents’ legacies.
Image and News Source: https://es-us.vida-estilo.yahoo.com/vida-francisco-cayetano-rivera-juli%C3%A1n-145233468.html
