MEXICO CITY — Bullfighting, which made a triumphant return before 40,000 fans at the Plaza Mexico arena in Mexico City on Sunday, is again on hold after a judge suspended the sport Wednesday pending a hearing on animal rights concerns.
Judge Sandra de Jesus Zuniga’s suspension came three days after the sport, banned for more than a year and a half under local law, resumed in the city thanks to a higher court ruling.
The resumption of bullfights in the Plaza Mexico, the largest bullfighting arena in the world, raised expectations of fans in the face of a lengthy legal battle between enthusiasts and opponents, who argue the practice violates animal welfare and affects people’s rights to a healthy environment.
Bullfighting is still allowed in much of Mexico. In the capital, the legal fight for its future is full of twists and turns.
The first bullfighter to enter the ring Sunday was the renowned Mexican matador Joselito Adame, with thousands of people cheering the return of “fiesta brava,” as bullfighting is also known in Spanish. “Long live freedom,” some shouted as the first bull entered an arena jammed with spectators.
In all, six bulls were fought Sunday, and all were killed.
Outside, hours before the formal beginning, about 300 people gathered in front of Plaza México to protest against bullfights. Some activists yelled “Murderers!” and “The plaza is going to fall!” while others played drums or stood with signs reading “Bullfighting is sadism.”
Police with shields stood by. The protest was mainly peaceful, although there were some moments of tension when some activists threw plastic bottles and stones.
“Why the bullfights were allowed to return when there is so much evidence of all the damage they do to a living being, such as the bull,” questioned activist Guillermo Sanchez, who was holding up a sign that read “Sadism disguised as culture, sport and tradition.”
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. The National Association of Fighting Bull Breeders in Mexico estimates that bullfighting is responsible for 80,000 direct jobs and 146,000 indirect jobs.
The association has hosted events and workshops in recent years to promote bullfights and find new, younger fans.
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