Historic Pardon: Amorcito’s Triumph at Tizimín Bullring

On January 19, 2025, a historic event occurred at the Tizimín Bullring during the Tizimín Livestock Expo Fair. Emiliano Gamero, a rider from Mexico City, achieved the first pardon in the bullring's 150-year history. He spared the life of a bull named "Amorcito" from the Las Golondrinas farm.

In the world of bullfighting, a pardon is a rare honor given to a bull that has demonstrated exceptional bravery and nobility during a fight. This act allows the bull to return to its original farm to serve as a stud, preserving its valuable genetic traits.

The Tizimín Bullring, built with regional wood and palm, is a cultural treasure over 150 years old. Despite hosting countless bullfights since its establishment, it had never seen a pardon until now. The bullring was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Yucatán in 2015.

Gamero's fight with "Amorcito" was a spectacle. The bull displayed remarkable bravery from the start, charging with vigor and dignity. Gamero, demonstrating skill and artistry, performed maneuvers that drew applause from the crowd. The bond between bullfighter and bull was evident, leading to a unanimous call from the audience for a pardon.

In response to the public's demand and acknowledging "Amorcito's" exceptional qualities, the ring judge granted the pardon. This act not only honors the bull and its farm but also recognizes the bullfighter's ability to acknowledge and respect the animal's greatness.

Pardons are rare and significant events in bullfighting history. For example, the first pardon at the Mexico City Bullring occurred in 1951 with the bull "Muñeco" from the Ernesto Cuevas farm. Since then, only 35 bulls have been pardoned at this venue. In Spain, the Las Ventas bullring in Madrid has seen only one pardon in its history, granted to the bull "Belador" from the Victorino Martín farm in 1982.

The pardon of "Amorcito" in Tizimín joins these notable events, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and preserving bravery and nobility in bull breeding. This event underscores the cultural and traditional significance of bullfighting in the region and globally.

The Las Golondrinas farm, home to "Amorcito", receives recognition for its commitment to breeding high-quality bulls with this pardon. "Amorcito" will return to its pastures as a stud, ensuring the continuation of its valuable traits in future generations.

This event in Tizimín not only enriches local bullfighting history but also highlights the importance of preserving traditions and cultural practices that form part of a community's intangible heritage. The pardon of "Amorcito" will be remembered as a milestone in Yucatecan and Mexican bullfighting.