Joselito El Gallo

The monument, located in the Plaza of the same name, is the work of the sculptor Collaut Valera, and is formed by a bronze sculpture representing the honoured bullfighter in a haughty and victorious posture after having finished the fight, while the bull appears on the ground with its limbs suspended and mortally wounded. The work is a faithful reflection of Joselito after finishing the third of the bull’s death. The sculpture also has various reliefs that depict the suertes of bullfighting, as well as Joselito’s famous pass: “el quiquiriquí”. With a naturalistic and classical style, the composition captures all the details of the action and the personality of the bullfighter, taking in even the smallest detail thanks to the documentation provided by the Peña Taurina don José y Juan. The weight of the sculptural ensemble is 700 kg. The figure of the bullfighter measures 2 metres in height, while the bull, of corresponding dimensions, appears lying at his feet. It is Antonio Bienvenida who symbolically completes the work, personally placing the banderillas on the bull and the estoque on the bullfighter. This monument was erected in homage to the Geltrán bullfighter on the 50th anniversary of his alternative bullfighting career (1964). It is the Town Council who, after financing the work by popular subscription, is responsible for the awarding of the work by means of an open competition. It is subsequently located in the square that bears the same name, built on land ceded to the Town Council by a well-to-do local resident. Its inauguration took place on 26 April 1964, and was attended by important personalities from the world of bullfighting and Sevillian society, such as the Duchess of Alba, who was also the Countess of Gelves. The figure of the bullfighter “Joselito” has been and is relevant to the town and is still present in the popular wisdom of the municipality. There is even a documentary about him that you can see HERE. Visiting this monument is a journey from the present to the history of bullfighting. In addition, the Plaza “Joselito El Gallo” is located in a quiet and central setting that allows you to feel the essence of the town of Gelves. More information about the figure of Joselito el Gallo (click here)