The Head of Government of Mexico City, Clara Brugada, presented a proposal to transform bullfighting in the capital, eliminating the violence, cruelty, blood, and death of the animal.
During a press conference, Brugada emphasized that her initiative seeks to maintain this cultural tradition, but adapting it to a model “free of violence.”
The seven points of the proposal for “bloodless bullfights”
The reform proposed by Brugada includes the following key guidelines to redefine bullfighting in Mexico City:
- Prohibition of violence in bullfights.
- Creation of the legal figure of “bullfighting show free of violence”, which will allow the continuation of activities in Plaza Mexico under new rules.
- Prohibition of the death of the bull, both inside and outside the bullring.
- Return of the bull to its breeding farm once the show is over.
- Prohibition of the use of sharp objects, such as banderillas, swords, and lances, allowing only the use of the cape and the muleta.
- Protection of the bull’s horns to prevent injuries to other animals or people.
- Time limit of 10 minutes per bull in each bullfight.
Brugada highlighted that this proposal not only aims to preserve the jobs associated with the Plaza Mexico but also to position the capital as a world reference in a renewed and ethical bullfighting model.
Reactions and controversies
The proposal has generated mixed reactions. While some sectors see this initiative as an opportunity to modernize bullfighting, others, like Deputy Pedro Haces, have expressed their discontent.
On the other hand, representatives of bullfighters, breeders, and bullfighting entrepreneurs expressed their surprise and rejection, arguing that they were not consulted about the reform. Salvador Arias, a lawyer specialized in bullfighting regulations, pointed out that this model was already implemented unsuccessfully in the Balearic Islands, Spain, where it was reversed due to public disinterest and a court ruling that questioned its cultural validity.
A cultural and ethical debate
Supporters of traditional bullfights argue that bullfighting bulls are not part of a natural ecosystem that needs protection, as they are bred exclusively for this purpose. They also believe that prohibiting violence in bullfights could set a precedent to restrict other activities involving animals.
On the other hand, Brugada and her allies maintain that this transformation is a necessary step towards a more ethical and sustainable model, which respects animal rights without eliminating the bullfighting tradition.
How bullfights originated in Mexico
In Mexico, bullfighting arrived with the Spanish conquest, and it is documented that on August 13, 1529, the first bullfight in Mexico took place to celebrate the conquest of Tenochtitlan, where six bulls participated, and two were killed. The bullfight took place in the Plaza Mayor since there was no dedicated place for these events at that time.
The bulls were introduced to America in 1527 by Juan Gutiérrez de Altamirano, cousin of Hernán Cortés, who brought twelve pairs of bulls and fighting cows from Navarre, Spain, to the Atenco Ranch located in the State of Mexico.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, bullfights reached great popularity in the country, with several bullfights being held in the Plaza del Volador (now Zócalo of Mexico City), where the Viceroy and the City Council could enjoy the spectacle from their balconies.
Cover photo: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images/AFP
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