With protests in front of a packed arena, bullfights have resumed in Mexico City after the country's highest court temporarily overturned a local ruling that sided with animal rights activists and suspended the events for more than a year and a half
From
FABIOLA SANCHEZ Associated Press
January 28, 2024, 1:30 p.m. ET
• 3 min reading
MEXICO CITY — With protesters in front of a packed arena, bullfights resumed Sunday in Mexico City after the country's highest court temporarily overturned a local ruling that sided with animal rights activists and halted the events for more than a year and a half had been suspended for years.
The resumption of bullfights at Plaza México, the world's largest bullring, has raised fans' expectations amid a protracted legal battle between enthusiasts and opponents who argue the practice violates animal welfare and harms people's right to a healthy environment.
Bullfights are still allowed in much of Mexico. In the capital, the legal dispute over the future is full of twists and turns.
The first bullfighter to enter the ring was the famous Mexican matador Joselito Adame. Thousands of people cheered the return of the “Fiesta Brava,” as bullfighting is also known in Spanish. “Long live freedom,” some shouted as the first bull entered the arena packed with spectators.
A total of six bulls were fought on Sunday and all were killed.
Outside, hours before the official start, about 300 people gathered in front of Plaza México to protest against bullfights. Some activists shouted “Murderers!” and “The square will collapse!” while others played drums or put up signs reading “Bullfighting is sadism.”
Police with shields stood by. The protest was largely peaceful, although there were some moments of tension as some activists threw plastic bottles and stones.
“Why were bullfights allowed to take place again when there is so much evidence of the damage they do to a living being like the bull,” asked activist Guillermo Sánchez, holding a sign that read “Sadism, sport and tradition disguised as culture. “
Alfredo Barraza, another protester, said allowing bullfighting was a “setback in the fight for animal rights.” Barraza, whose face was covered with a paper mask in the shape of a bull, said he hoped Mexico City would eventually be “free from spectacles of violence.”
Inside the plaza there was a festive atmosphere; people were eating, drinking and taking photos.
“I'm very excited,” said Aldo Palacios, who brought his two children and other relatives to the arena not only to watch the first bullfight but also to celebrate his 42nd birthday.
In May 2022, a local court ordered an end to bullfighting activities in Plaza México in response to an injunction by the civil organization Justicia Justa, which works to defend human rights. However, activities were due to resume on Sunday because the country's Supreme Court lifted the suspension in December while the merits of the case were discussed and a decision was made on whether bullfights affect animal welfare.
Another civil organization filed an appeal on Friday on animal welfare grounds to prevent the resumption of activities at the last minute. A verdict was not expected before the event on Sunday.
Animal rights groups have gained ground in Mexico in recent years, while bullfighting supporters have suffered several setbacks. In some states such as Sinaloa, Guerrero, Coahuila, Quintana Roo and the western city of Guadalajara, judicial measures are now restricting the activity.
Ranchers, businessmen and fans argue that the ban on bullfighting impinges on their rights and threatens several thousand jobs linked to the activity, which they say brings in about $400 million a year in Mexico. The National Association of Fighting Bull Breeders in Mexico estimates that bullfighting is responsible for 80,000 direct and 146,000 indirect jobs.
The club has hosted events and workshops in recent years to promote bullfighting and attract new, younger fans.