Bullfighting Fans Rally to Save Mexico’s Tradition

Mexico City, Mexico — The National Association of Matadors of Bulls, Steers, Rejoneadores, and Similar Professionals has called on bullfighting enthusiasts to mobilize across Mexican states to prevent the spread of prohibitive laws targeting bullfighting, similar to those enacted in Mexico City and Michoacán.

Francisco Doddoli, president of the association, warned that the legislative changes in Mexico City and Michoacán could set a precedent for other states, including Tlaxcala, Nuevo León, Chihuahua, Jalisco, Querétaro, Aguascalientes, Hidalgo, Guanajuato, the State of Mexico, and Yucatán.

A Call to Action

Doddoli urged supporters to express their opposition to what he described as a disguised ban. "The recent reforms promoted in Mexico City and Michoacán do not regulate bullfighting—they prohibit it," he stated firmly.

The association, a national union representing workers in the bullfighting industry, called on fans to contact local authorities, including governors, mayors, and state and federal legislators, to voice their rejection of these "prohibitive reforms."

"The tradition lives if you defend it. Without fans, there are no bullrings, but with fans, no one can erase us," Doddoli declared.

Threat to Cultural Identity

The organization emphasized that the reforms represent a critical moment for bullfighting enthusiasts to defend their culture, identity, and freedom. The approved legislation, they argued, drastically alters the essence of bullfighting by eliminating its three traditional stages: the tercio de varas (lancing stage), banderillas (flag placement), and the suerte suprema (final act).

"Without these elements, bullfighting loses its depth and becomes a pantomime, stripped of its authenticity," the association stated.

Concerns Over Breed Extinction

The group also warned that the laws, ostensibly aimed at protecting fighting bulls, could lead to the extinction of the breed. By canceling traditional bullfights, they argued, there would be no incentive to continue breeding the animals.

The association, founded on December 14, 1966, currently has 153 members dedicated to the profession of bullfighting and related activities. It urged supporters to stay informed, share information, and participate in efforts to preserve the tradition.

"What is at stake is the freedom to choose, live, and feel our identity and traditions," the statement concluded.

Source: Excelsior