Lorraine Williamson
A novice bullfighter is facing a long road to recovery after sustaining a serious neck injury during a novillada at Málaga’s La Malagueta arena, just days before the city’s prestigious Feria Taurina de Málaga festival.
Daniel Artazos, a student at the Escuela Taurina de Valencia, was performing a classic pass with his cape when the young bull struck unexpectedly. The impact sent him crashing onto the sand, leaving him unconscious. Fellow toreros rushed to his side before carrying him to the arena’s infirmary.
Complex surgery and cautious optimism
Transferred to Málaga’s Regional Hospital, Artazos underwent a five-hour operation to repair a fractured fifth cervical vertebra. His condition was initially critical, but doctors now say they are cautiously optimistic after a successful procedure. His mentor described his survival at this stage as “a small miracle.”
Tradition under the spotlight
The accident has once again reignited debate over bullfighting in Spain—a practice some hail as cultural heritage and others condemn as animal cruelty. Andalucian cities such as Málaga, Seville, and Ronda still draw thousands to the bullring, while regions including Catalonia and the Canary Islands have banned the spectacle.
“It’s part of our culture,” said Málaga resident Juan Martín, speaking to our editorial team. A devoted supporter of tauromaquia, he argued that many critics fail to understand the respect and skill involved, describing toreros as highly trained professionals delivering a carefully crafted performance.
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Strong opposition grows
Animal rights groups remain firm in their call for abolition. Spain’s animal rights party PACMA insists bullfighting “is not culture, but a cruel tradition that glorifies animal suffering and death.” Such criticism has gained traction in the media, reflecting a growing unease within Spanish society.
A career on hold
For Artazos, the bout was meant to be a milestone—his gateway to fighting with picadores, where matadors face fully grown bulls supported by mounted lancers. He had even paused his studies in Clinical and Biomedical Analysis to pursue his dream. Whether he will return to the arena is now uncertain. What is clear is that his recovery will demand the same determination and endurance as any fight in the ring.
Sources: Levante EMV, Malaga Taurina