In Mexico the bullfights have only just started – a few days ago. Separated and sold at birth, they met through TikTok

Shortly after the resumption of bullfights in Mexico City after a ban of more than a year and a half, the controversial spectacles have been temporarily banned again. The temporary ban applies until February 7.

A judge ruled on Wednesday that no more bullfights may be held in the Mexican capital until the court hearing on February 7. The court hearing next week will focus on whether bullfighting should be banned or allowed.

The bullfights in Mexico City only resumed on Sunday after a break of more than a year and a half. More than 41,000 spectators watched the fight in the largest arena in the world, Plaza del Toro. Animal rights activists protested in front of the stadium. The next bullfight was actually scheduled for Sunday.

No fundamental judgment yet

In June 2022, a Mexican court ordered an end to bullfighting after a lawsuit from animal rights activists. In December 2023, the Mexican Supreme Court overturned this decision, but without making a fundamental ruling on the legality of bullfighting.

Bullfights are no longer allowed in four of Mexico’s 32 provinces. In Spain and Portugal, where bullfighting originated, the spectacle continues during the summer months. It is also allowed in the south of France.

Whether it is legitimate to kill animals in a painful show fight is debated in both Europe and Latin America. Bullfighting is banned in Colombia and Ecuador. In Venezuela, only a few regular bullfights were abolished, while in Peru a lawsuit to ban the fights failed. (sda/afp)