Mexico: Judge suspends bullfights
In Spain and Mexico they are considered a sport and remain very popular. Now a judge has ordered bullfighting performances to be completely halted — of all places, in the world’s largest arena.
The organisers must immediately suspend bullfighting performances at the Plaza de Toros in Mexico City as well as the issuing of permits, the federal court ruled on 27 May 2022.
Activists had filed a lawsuit against the centuries-old tradition. A further hearing is scheduled for the following Thursday. The next event at the Plaza de Toros is actually set for 2 July.
It is the first time a court in Mexico has ordered a suspension of a bullfight, after civil organisations had spent years filing for a ban.
Mexico is considered a stronghold of bullfighting. However, the tradition and the Plaza de Toros, which holds 50’000 spectators, face an uncertain future.
Following the legal decision, traditional bullfighting could soon face further political headwinds: in December, an animal welfare committee of the Mexican parliament approved a proposal to ban bullfighting in the capital. If members of parliament approve the plan, bullfights could soon be banned in Mexico City as well.
Members of parliament still need to vote on the plan. So far, only a handful of Mexico’s 32 federal states have banned bullfighting, which was introduced by the Spanish in the 16th century.
