Criticism from animal rights activists
Mexico City resumes bullfighting – President calls for referendum
Bullfight in Mexico City in December 2017
© DyD Fotografos / Geisler-Fotopress / Picture Alliance
In Mexico, bullfights are taking place in the world’s largest arena for the first time since a court ban was lifted. The discussion about tradition continues.
After a year and a half legal battle, bullfights are back Mexico’s capital back. The director of the Mexico City bullring, Mario Zulaica, announced on Thursday the resumption of bullfights on January 28 in the Plaza de Toros México – the largest arena of its kind in the world with capacity for 50,000 spectators. “The bulls are returning to Mexico -City back,” said Zulaica.
Animal rights activists complained about bullfighting
At the beginning of December, the Supreme Court of the Latin American country overturned a judge’s decision from June 2022 that had banned bullfights until further notice. At the time, the judge ruled in favor of animal protection activists who had sued against the centuries-old custom.
But the legal dispute is not yet over: so far it has only been about the temporary suspension of bullfights. A fundamental decision on the legality of bullfights in Mexico City is still pending.
Mexico is a stronghold of bullfighting, which is also an important economic factor. However, in Mexico – as in other countries – there is criticism of the fighting from animal rights activists. So far, five of Mexico’s 32 states have enacted a bullfighting ban.
Following the Supreme Court’s decision on bullfights in Mexico City, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador proposed holding a referendum to decide the future of bullfighting in the capital. “In this case, in my opinion, it would be best for everyone,” said the head of state.