Alfredo Barraza, another protester, said allowing bullfighting was a “setback in the struggle for animal rights.” Barraza, who covered his face with a paper mask in the shape of a bull, said he hoped Mexico City would at some point be “free of scenes of violence.”
The atmosphere was festive inside the square, with people eating, drinking and taking photos.
Spectators watch the bullfights in Plaza Mexico, the largest bullfighting arena in the world.credit: AP
“I'm very excited,” said Aldo Palacios, who brought his two children and other relatives to the arena, not only to watch the first bullfight, but also to celebrate his 42nd birthday.
In May 2022, a local court ordered the cessation of bullfighting activities in Plaza Mexico in response to an injunction filed by the civic organization Justicia Justa, which advocates for human rights. Activities were allowed to resume because the country's Supreme Court of Justice overturned the suspension in December while the merits of the case were discussed and a decision was reached on whether bullfighting affected animal welfare.
Another civic organization filed an appeal on animal welfare grounds late last week in a last-ditch effort to prevent the activity from continuing.
A bull falls to the ground next to the matador.credit: GT
Animal rights groups have made gains in Mexico in recent years while bullfighting followers have suffered several setbacks. In some states, such as Sinaloa, Guerrero, Coahuila, Quintana Roo and the western city of Guadalajara, judicial procedures are now limiting this activity.
Ranchers, businessmen and fans say the ban on bullfighting affects their rights and jeopardizes several thousand jobs associated with the activity, which they say generates about $400 million annually in Mexico.
Spectators watch a bullfight in Plaza Mexico.credit: AP
The National Association of Fighting Bull Breeders in Mexico estimates that bullfighting is responsible for 80,000 direct jobs and 146,000 indirect jobs.
download
The association has hosted events and workshops in recent years to promote bullfighting and find new, younger fans.
AP
Get a direct note from our foreign correspondents on what's making headlines around the world. Subscribe to the weekly What in the World newsletter here.
