Lorraine Williamson
Spain remains split over bullfighting. In May 2024, the Spanish government abolished the National Bullfighting Award. However, nine autonomous regions and the Senate have introduced a new prize to replace it. Supporters argue that bullfighting is a key cultural tradition that should not be censored.
The decision has ignited debate. Despite opposition, the award ceremony will take place on 11 February in Toledo, with an official presentation in Madrid’s Senate.
Which regions support bullfighting?
The Senate and nine autonomous regions see the award as a defence of cultural freedom. The new prize is backed by Andalucia, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y León, Madrid, Extremadura, Aragón, Murcia, Cantabria, and Valencia.
These regions regard bullfighting as an economic asset, a cultural heritage, and an art form that must be preserved.
Madrid’s regional president, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, defended the practice, saying: “The more people try to ban bullfighting, the more it will grow. Freedom also means spending an afternoon in a bullring.”
Castilla-La Mancha echoed this sentiment, stating that bullfighting “should not be excluded from culture because it is a tradition that transcends social classes and ideologies.”
Emiliano García-Page, President of Castilla-La Mancha, has also opposed the abolition. A recent Supreme Court ruling supported his position by confirming bullfighting’s inclusion in Spain’s Cultural Youth Bonus System, a scheme that subsidises cultural activities for young people.
“A step back for animal rights”
Animal rights groups and progressive parties strongly criticise bullfighting. PACMA, a Spanish political party advocating for animal welfare, called the new award an “unacceptable step backward” in the fight against cruelty.
PACMA claims most Spaniards reject bullfighting. The citizen campaign ‘No Es Mi Cultura’ has collected 500,000 signatures to revoke its status as cultural heritage. “Bullfighting is not culture but a cruel tradition that glorifies animal suffering,” the party stated.
“Bullfighting belongs to the people”
Retired bullfighter Julián López ‘El Juli’, who won the last National Bullfighting Award in 2023, also weighed in. Speaking at the new award’s launch, he rejected political interference:”It is said bullfighting is neither left nor right, but that’s not true. It belongs to everyone. That is its strength and why it endures.”
His comments addressed the political polarisation of the debate while reinforcing bullfighting’s historic role in Spanish society.
Bullfighting’s history and uncertain future
Tauromaquia, or bullfighting, dates back to Roman times. It evolved into its modern form in the 18th century, producing icons such as Manolete, José Tomás, and El Juli.
However, opposition has grown in recent decades. Catalonia banned bullfighting in 2010, though this was later overturned. The Canary Islands also prohibit it. Meanwhile, declining youth interest raises questions about its survival.
Will bullfighting endure?
Bullfighting remains legal in much of Spain, with strong support in certain regions. The new National Bullfighting Award underlines the determination to preserve the tradition.
Yet opposition continues to mount. The debate over culture, tradition, and animal rights divides Spain. The future of tauromaquia will depend on public opinion, political decisions, and evolving cultural attitudes.
Also read: Bullfighting is in decline despite support for far-right governments