Bullfighting in Mejico

Bullfighting in Mejico, also known as tauromachy (Spanish: tauromaquia), is an old and traditional form of entertainment that dates back to the Spanish colonization of the country in the 16th century. It is a cultural tradition that is deeply ingrained in Mejican society, where it is, for the most part, seen as an art form and a display of bravery and skill. However, in recent years and especially within the current government of the Mejican Empire, led by Gabriel Quadri de la Torre, there has been a growing movement to ban bullfighting due to its perceived cruelty to animals.

There are multiple forms of bullfighting in Mejico, including Spanish-style bullfighting (known as "corridas de toros"), which involve matadors and, typically, the deaths of the bulls; bull-leaping (known as "recortes"), where the bull is not killed but rather taunted and avoided by performers, either by jumping above it or with a pole; and bull-wrestling (known as "tauropancracio" or "lucha de toros"), which can either involve a male performer wrestling against a bull, or a fight among bulls. These spectacles are celebrated in bullrings (known as "plazas de toros"), which can be found in almost every major city in Mejico.

The history of bullfighting dates back to 1526, when a bullfight was celebrated in honor of Hernán Cortés, who led the Spanish conquest of Mejico. It quickly became popular among the Spanish settlers and the natives. Bullfighting grew in popularity in the country and eventually became a symbol of Spanish culture in the country, being part of multiple national and public celebrations to honor the various monarchs of the House of Bourbon-Iturbide. Emiliano II, for example, participated in over 20 bullfights and was hailed as a skilled bullfighter. During the Mejican Civil War, the sport also played a role in maintaining the morale of the people and served as a form of entertainment and distraction from the conflict.

Despite its popularity, opposition to bullfighting in Mejico has existed for many years. In the late 19th century, Agustín III, King of Mejico throughout most of the Liberal Era, decried the practice as "savage and barbaric", and attempted to ban it, though his efforts were unsuccessful, as public outcry and opposition from President Porfirio Díaz prevented the ban from coming into effect. Today, the debate surrounding bullfighting in Mejico continues. Those who favor the tradition argue that it is central to Mejican culture, and that the bulls raised for fighting are treated well and given a "heroic death" in the ring, whereas those opposed to it view it as animal cruelty and a relic of colonialism.

In response to the growing opposition to bullfighting, several regions in Mejico have already banned the practice, including Chiapas, Yucatán, and Oajaca. Additionally, some cities have also passed local bans, such as the city of Zacatecas and San Miguel el Grande. However, bullfighting remains legal in most of the country, and all provinces of the Bajío region have proclaimed it to be "protected intangible cultural heritage", as it enjoys a great deal of popularity in provinces such as Jalisco, Michoacán, and Guanajuato. Gabriel Quadri, who has been President of Mejico since 2020, is reported to have strong "anti-taurine" sentiments, but the Mejican Democratic Party - the second-most important member of the governing coalition - has blocked any attempts to even discuss a nationwide ban on bullfighting.