Animal activists protest outside after six bulls competing in ‘fiesta brava’ are killed

• Bullfighting resumed after an 18 months’ suspension in Mexico
• The sport was outlawed by a Mexico City court in 2022 after an injunction was filed by human rights organization Justicia Justa
• Roughly 40,000 people watched the return, but 300 people protested outside with riot police being called to the scene 

Bullfighting has returned to México City after nearly a two-year hiatus following a Supreme Court ruling that removed its suspension.

Six bulls were fought and all were killed on Sunday as more than 40,000 fans packed Monumental Plaza de Toros México, the world’s biggest bullfighting right.

However, the resumption with met with angry protesters who chased workers and required riot police to be called to the gathering.

Renowned Mexican matador Joselito Adame was the first bullfighter to enter the ring with enthusiasts cheering the return of ‘fiesta brava,’ as bullfighting is known in Spanish. Some could be heard shouting, ‘long live freedom,’ as the first bull entered the arena.

‘I’m very excited,’ said Aldo Palacios, who brought his two children and other relatives to the arena, not only to see the inaugural bullfight, but also to celebrate his 42nd birthday at the event. 

The return of bullfights, which has been celebrated in Mexico since the 16th century, was met with scrutiny from about 300 animal rights supporters, who gathered outside Monumental Plaza de Toros México to protest bullfights.

Activists could be seen chasing arena workers, tossing plastic bottles and rocks before police with riot gear intervened. 

One of the demonstrators could be seen trying to knock down an entrance gate while another stood on a building column and used a crowbar to break a light.

‘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 Sánchez, who was holding up a sign that read ‘Sadism disguised as culture, sport and tradition.’

Bullfighting was outlawed by a Mexico City court in 2022 after an injunction was filed by human rights organization Justicia Justa.

Activities at the famous bullfighting arena were set for Sunday following the Supreme Court of Justice’s decision in December to revoke the suspension while the merits of the case are discussed, and a decision is reached on whether bullfights affect animal welfare.

Another civil organization filed an appeal Friday on animal welfare grounds as part of a last-minute effort to prevent the resumption of bullfighting. A ruling was not expected before Sunday´s event.

Animal rights groups have been gaining ground in Mexico in recent years while bullfighting followers have suffered several setbacks.

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 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.