Bullfighting resumes in Mexico City before a full crowd while activists protest outside
- Mexico’s capital holds its first bullfight in almost two years after Supreme Court ruling
- Animal rights defenders in Mexico want the centuries-old spectacle banned
With protesters outside a full arena, bullfights resumed in Mexico City on Sunday after the country’s highest court temporarily revoked a local ruling that sided with animal rights defenders and suspended the events for more than a year and a half.
The resumption of bullfights in the Plaza México, the largest bullfighting arena in the world, raised expectations of fans in the face of a lengthy legal battle between enthusiasts and opponents, who argue the practice violates animal welfare and affects people’s rights to a healthy environment.
Bullfighting is still allowed in much of Mexico. In the capital, the legal fight for its future is full of twists and turns.
The first bullfighter to enter the ring was the renowned Mexican matador Joselito Adame, with thousands of people cheering the return of “fiesta brava”, as bullfighting is also known in Spanish. “Long live freedom,” some shouted as the first bull entered an arena jammed with spectators.
Outside, hours before the formal beginning, about 300 people gathered in front of Plaza México to protest against bullfights.
Some activists yelled “Murderers!” and “The plaza is going to fall!” while others played drums or stood with signs reading “Bullfighting is sadism”.
