"Absence of Violence" in Mexico Offers No Benefits for Anyone

A SHIFT IN MEXICO'S BULLFIGHTING LANDSCAPE

The halls of Mexico City's Congress echoed with change on March 18, a move that might reverberate nationwide. Against the clamor of bullfighting enthusiasts, 61 lawmakers voted in favor of a "non-lethal bullfighting spectacle," leaving a lone dissenting voice. The initial plan was a nationwide ban on bullfights, but a proposal by the city's mayor, Clara Brugada, aimed to prevent economic and social turmoil in an industry encompassing more than workers within the Plaza Mexico. Known for being the globe's largest bullfighting arena, seating 44,000 spectators - twice the capacity of Madrid's Las Ventas, the area thrives on these events.

The new mayor, previously holding the post once held by the current president, Claudia Sheinbaum, drew inspiration from experiments in Portugal and Spain (Catalonia and Balearic Islands), countries that introduced bullfighting to Mexico in the 16th century. In Mexico, bullfights will continue, albeit without animals getting injured or the use of sharp instruments.

The Path Less Traveled

Mexico City's legislature moved to ban traditional bullfighting, specifically outlawing the torment of bulls. Nevertheless, non-violent spectacles are now permitted, where bulls are unharmed. Events are restricted to 15 minutes per bull, with only capes utilized, and only six fights per event.

Both the ban and the new regulations impact an industry supporting over 80,000 direct jobs and 146,000 indirect ones[1][5]. Yet, proponents argue that this move would protect animals and promote a more sympathetic form of entertainment[1][5].

A Statewide Ban

Michoacán followed suit on April 2, 2025, becoming the sixth Mexican state to forbid bullfighting, joining forces with Guerrero, Sinaloa, Sonora, Coahuila, and Quintana Roo[2][4]. Animal welfare groups supported this decision, aiming to end a practice seen as inhumane[2][4].

Navigating the Line Between Tradition and Compassion

The concept of "non-violent bullfighting spectacles" represents a balance between tradition and animal welfare concerns. These shows typically feature performers using capes to entice bulls without causing harm, creating a theatrical experience while avoiding animal cruelty[1][5]. Mexico City's new regulations reflect this approach, enforcing a ban on traditional bullfighting but permitting non-violent spectacles.

Key features of non-violent shows include:

The exclusive use of capes.
Strict time limits for each bull.
A prohibition on animal injury or death.
Limiting events to six fights per occasion.

This new landscape demonstrates an effort to reconcile cultural heritage with animal welfare concerns.

In response to Mexico City's legislative move, Sonora became the latest state to consider a shift towards non-lethal bullfighting, emulating the path less traveled previously taken by Portugal and Spain.
The supposed general-news of Mexico's bullfighting ban has stirred politics, with advocates arguing for animal protection and synchronized economic interests against the backdrop of cultural traditions.
The columns of news outlets home and abroad are filled with discussions concerning the new regulations in Mexico City, where the traditional bloodsports take a stance in favor of non-violent bullfighting spectacles.
000 jobs within the bullfighting industry in Mexico City and beyond are on the line as a statewide ban on traditional bullfighting is being proposed, with Sonora being the next state in line to weigh its options.