Mexico City Just Ended Bullfighting After a 500-Year History

Bullfighting is a public contest particularly popular in Spain and Latin American countries. It typically involves a matador, who is the person the bull fights, and they engage in a ritualistic battle that is watched by thousands of people in an arena. It is a tradition that spans hundreds of years and is often viewed as a display of artistry and courage.

However, there is a big faction of critics that views the sport as cruel and unnecessary. It has become controversial and has escalated animal safety concerns, as most of the bulls are being raised specifically to be strong and aggressive for the spectacle. But, good news for those critics, the bullfighting in Mexico City has now come to an end after a vote was held.

A Historic Vote for Animal Rights

On March 18, 2025, Mexico City legislators passed a groundbreaking law that states violent bullfights are now banned. The vote was almost unanimous with a 61–1 score.

This ban would feature the prohibition of the use of swords, spears, and banderillas, as well as any injury or killing of bulls during events. They will limit the traditional event in order to protect the animals’ rights.

This decision, despite the majority voting for it, still sparked a debate and angry protests from Matadors and supporters of the sport. They argue that it has been part of their centuries-long tradition of the city and ingrained in their very culture. However, most still view the decision as a step in the right direction.

Read more: World Animal Protection

New “Bloodless” Bullfights Still Possible

Mexico City bans bullfighting, sparking debates over tradition and animal rights

Although we mentioned that they ban bullfighting, we are talking about the traditional and common violent practice. In other words, bullfighting is still legal as long as it follows the laws set by the city.

It has to be a regulated bloodless version where the Matadors could still wear their capes, but there should be no harm done to the animals during the event. They have also introduced a time limit to the fight in order to increase the protection for the bulls.

Cultural Clash Echoes Through the Capital

Animal welfare groups around the city and the world celebrated this moment, as they have long criticized the violence of the traditional bullfighting. That is why when the law was passed, they welcomed the ban with open arms and viewed it as a major step in ending centuries of cruelty.

However, on the other side, they viewed it as the end of centuries of tradition and culture instead. It is also the livelihood of some people, who are now being threatened with losing their jobs. Overall, the city thinks that they made the right decision by banning the violent version while keeping the tradition alive in some way or form.

Read more: The Guardian

A Landmark Moment With Mixed Reactions

Mexico City bullfights are one of the largest in the world, and it has held strong for almost 500 years. This decision and vote mark the end, as Mexico City followed the others who have banned the sport earlier, and more cities or regions are expected to do the same soon.

This is a broader signal that shows how much shift has happened in animal rights policy nationwide. But, it has also divided the people, both in person and in the online environment. Whether this decision would be a win or a loss for the country might take some more time to be realized.

Mexico City Bans Traditional Bullfights For Violence-Free Option | World News | WION

Author's Final Thoughts

This momentous ban reshapes Mexico City’s cultural landscape, showing that even the oldest of traditions could be changed based on social movements and new norms. However, it is good to point out that they have not totally banned the sport, just the violent version of it, which showcases that the policy makers are thinking not just about the animals’ health and safety, but also the country’s tradition, culture, and values.

Read more: Scientists Discovered Earth Has a Heartbeat That Pulses Every 26 Seconds — And It’s Coming from the Ocean