Background
He was born in Chiclana de la Frontera, Cádiz Province, Spain. Intending to become a surgeon, Reina abandoned the plan after losing the sponsorship of a marquis left his father in financial difficulty.
He was born in Chiclana de la Frontera, Cádiz Province, Spain. Intending to become a surgeon, Reina abandoned the plan after losing the sponsorship of a marquis left his father in financial difficulty.
Forsaking the family business (masonry), Reina took up bullfighting, initially relying on courage for lack of skill. Reina remains one of the most famous names in bullfighting history, having codified rules for bullfighting and contriving an order for fights. He also introduced the "Traje de Luz" - the suit that the bullfighters wear to this day.
Circa 1840 in Madrid, Reina was paid in 6,000 Spanish reals for killing five bulletins
Two years later, he earned 2,000 per bulletin Until retirement in 1848, he was by far the most important bullfighter in Spain.
His last fight was with the bull "Rumbón", July 21, 1850, in Madrid. He died at age forty-six in his home town.
There is a museum dedicated to him in his home town of Chiclana de la Frontera, in Cádiz province.