Children once again allowed to witness bullfights in Palma
Controversy Erupts as Children Return to Bullfighting Events in Mallorca
A controversial return of children to bullfighting events has sparked significant protests and debate in Mallorca, Spain. On August 3, 2025, a bullfight in the nearby town of Inca allowed approximately one hundred children free entry, causing a stir among animal rights activists and those opposed to the violent spectacle.
This contentious move comes amidst ongoing tensions between the legal recognition of bullfighting as cultural heritage (Law 18/2013) and growing opposition, particularly concerning the exposure of children to violence. The event in Inca, Mallorca's prominent town near Palma, has become a focal point for this issue.
Activists from the Vegan Strike Group and other anti-bullfighting campaigns attempted to disrupt the event, expressing their opposition on ethical grounds. This controversy coincides with broader cultural and linguistic changes in the Balearic Islands, such as the official use of Catalan toponyms, reflecting evolving identities that may indirectly influence attitudes towards traditional events like bullfighting.
In Palma de Mallorca, the city center has not yet seen a formal bullfighting event with children, but the events in Inca serve as a powerful symbol of the ongoing issue. The historic bullfight in Inca, including the return of Miura's bulls 100 years later, is expected to attract a large crowd, including children and their families.
In a notable event, Sevillian bullfighter Morante de la Puebla made history by cutting two ears in two performances during the Beneficiencia bullfight in Madrid's Las Ventas. This marked the first time children had been allowed back in the bullring since 2017. The bullfighting cartel for this event included Morante de la Puebla, Sebastián Castella, and José María Manzanares.
The Plaza de Toros de Inca, east of Palma de Mallorca, sold out its 6,000 tickets in record time for the return of minors to the ring in April. However, the Franz Weber animal rights association views this initiative as a "dangerous offer," believing it is intended to "capture" children into a violent practice.
The Balearic Parliament has repealed the ban on access to minors in bullfights, as per a legislative amendment. This move has faced opposition from the Franz Weber association, who have expressed regret over the approval of the amendment. The event in Inca also marks the return of 800 children to the stands of the bullring.
Thousands of fans carried De Puebla on their shoulders on a 2.2-kilometre (approximately 1.4 miles) journey from Las Ventas to the Wellington Hotel. The event is expected to attract Mallorcan fans, visitors, and tourists, making it a significant cultural event for the region. The bullfight in Inca will take place at Palma's Coliseo Balear bullring on August 7th, continuing the long-standing tradition amidst ongoing controversy.
Social media platforms are filled with heated debates on the return of children to bullfighting events in Mallorca, as demonstrated by Vegan Strike Group and other anti-bullfighting campaign activists voicing their opposition online. Those campaigning for an end to the violent spectacle are using entertainment platforms like football fans unites Against Bullfighting (FUAB), where supporters can join discussions and advance their cause.
