Mexico City lawmakers have taken a historic step by banning violent bullfighting, marking a significant victory for animal rights advocates. The legislation, passed by an overwhelming 61-1 vote, prohibits the killing of bulls and the use of sharp objects that could harm them. It also sets time limits for bullfights, all under the initiative known as “bullfighting without violence.” While the new law applies only to Mexico City, it directly impacts Plaza México, the world’s largest bullring.
The decision sparked both celebration and backlash. Supporters of traditional bullfighting expressed outrage, with some attempting to breach police barricades outside the local Congress. Protesters held signs declaring their devotion to La Fiesta Brava, arguing that bullfighting is a cultural tradition, not a crime.
On the other side, animal rights activists and Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada hailed the ban as a milestone in animal welfare. Brugada, whose proposal was backed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, emphasized that the city is now a place that respects the rights of animals.
“The spectacle of blood cannot be justified as art or tradition,” Brugada said. “Culture evolves, and we have the responsibility to transform it in favor of animal welfare.”
The tradition, which has long drawn big crowds to arenas across Mexico, faced legal challenges in recent years. In June 2022, a judge in Mexico City banned bullfighting, citing residents’ rights to a healthy environment free from violence.
However, a year and a half later, Mexico’s Supreme Court overturned the ruling, briefly allowing the return of bullfights at Plaza México. In January 2024, the arena hosted a highly attended event where 40,000 fans watched six bullfights, all ending in the killing of the bulls. Just three days later, another judge’s ruling halted bullfighting once again, paving the way for Tuesday’s legislative decision.
The ban, however, is not without economic consequences. The Mexican Association of Bullfighting Entrepreneurs warns that 40,000 direct jobs and 80,000 indirect jobs are at risk due to the shift. Local businesses, including restaurants and hotels near Plaza México, have historically seen sales jump by as much as 60% during bullfighting season. Despite these concerns, Green Party lawmaker Jesús Sesma assured affected families that no one would lose their job, emphasizing that a compromise had been reached to continue the events without violence.
With Mexico City now leading the way, activists are pushing for similar bans in other states. Currently, Sonora, Guerrero, Sinaloa, Coahuila, and Quintana Roo have outlawed bullfighting, while at least eight states have designated it as an “intangible part of cultural heritage.” The movement to end the practice continues to gain traction, reshaping Mexico’s approach to tradition and animal welfare.
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