Alfredo Barraza, another protester, said allowing bullfighting is a “setback in the fight for animal rights.” Barraza, who had his face covered with a paper mask in the shape of a bull, said he hopes Mexico City will at some point “be free of violent spectacles”.
Inside the arena, the mood was festive, with people eating, drinking and taking photos.
Spectators watch a bullfight at the 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 see the inaugural bullfight, but also to celebrate his 42nd birthday.
In May 2022, a local court ordered an end to bullfighting activities at Plaza Mexico in response to an injunction presented by the civil organisation Justicia Justa, which defends human rights. The activities were allowed to resume because the nation’s Supreme Court of Justice in December revoked the suspension while the merits of the case are discussed and a decision is reached on whether bullfights affect animal welfare.
Another civil organisation filed an appeal on animal welfare grounds late last week in a last-ditch effort to prevent the activity from going ahead.
A bull falls to the ground next to the bullfighter.Credit: Getty
Animal rights groups have been gaining ground 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 measures now limit the activity.
Ranchers, businessmen and fans maintain that the ban on bullfights affects their rights and puts at risk several thousand jobs linked to the activity, which they say generates about $400 million a year in Mexico.
Spectators watch a bullfight at the 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.
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The association has hosted events and workshops in recent years to promote bullfights and find new, younger fans.
AP
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