Bullfighting: Art Form or Outrage?

If you were asked to name some things that come to mind when you think of Spain, it is likely that matadors, bullrings, and bullfights would make the list. Bullfights are at the center of many Spanish festivals and holidays, and many cities have a majestic arena devoted to these spectacles.

Most of Spain’s matadors have been practicing bullfighting from a very young age. They generally come from families with generations of matadors. Matadors see the bullfight as a show of their passion for life and death, as well as their respect for the strength and power of the animal.

Not everyone shares this perspective. There exists in Spain and around the world much controversy over bullfighting. While some see bullfighting as a form of art and a skill to be appreciated, others believe it to be an uncivilized and horrendous show of cruelty to animals. In 1991 the Canary Islands banned bullfighting, and in 2010 the parliament of Spain’s autonomous community of Catalonia also voted to place a ban on the event. The last bullfight to take place in Catalonia was held on September 25, 2011, in Barcelona’s famous bullring, la Monumental. However, the remaining 15 Spanish regions (excluding the Canary Islands and Catalonia) still allow bullfighting. Madrid’s regional government even went so far as to declare bullfighting a part of the region’s cultural heritage, an act that will ensure its protection under the law. Organizations that seek to educate people about either the vices or virtues of bullfighting are now posting information and voicing opinions on many Internet sites. The battle between the pro-bullfighting and anti-bullfighting populations is almost as intense as the battle between the matador and the bull. Where do you stand on this issue?

 

Explore More:

1. The history of bullfighting goes back hundreds of years. Do some reading to learn about the origins of this tradition. Prepare a report or a poster that summarizes in Spanish what you learn and share the information with your class. If your school hosts or participates in a multicultural fair or festival, you could present your report or poster during this event.
2. Investigate to learn what happens in a bullfight. After you have read more about this tradition, has your opinion about bullfighting changed? Discuss your opinion in Spanish with some classmates. Do you all agree?
3. Bullfighting is not only popular in Spain. In fact, one of the oldest bullrings is in South America. Find out where this bullring is. In what other South American countries is bullfighting popular?

 

Share What You Know:

What are some other sports in which animals are used? Are these sports controversial? Prepare a short report in Spanish on one of these sports and present it to your class. If your school hosts or participates in a multicultural fair or festival, you could present your report during this event.