Momentum Grows Against Bullfighting In Spain, As Thousands Rally

Thousands gathered on the streets of Madrid to protest bullfighting, chanting that it is "torture — not art or culture!"

This demonstration comes amid growing momentum in Spain against the centuries-old tradition, as reporter Lauren Frayer tells our Newscast unit. It was organized by Pacma, an animal rights political party — and the group says it was "the biggest anti-bullfighting protest to date," as Reuters reports.

Frayer says a graphic viral video has energized the movement against the practice. "Last month, animal rights activists [from Pacma] went undercover to film a medieval festival south of Madrid, where a baby bull was stabbed and killed in the bull ring by amateurs," she reports. "Video of the scene with children cheering went viral — with 20 million views in 24 hours. Many Spaniards were outraged that such torture is legal here."

There have been signs of change recently. This week, "a popular festival that used to involve spearing bulls as they run through the streets will go on — but without the bulls being killed. That part has been banned," Frayer reports.

According to the Associated Press, "at least 17 Spanish cities and towns have cut municipal funding for bullfights and bull runs, or passed legislation condemning or banning it since the new leftist party Podemos won its first seats in local and regional elections a year ago." The Catalonia region banned bullfighting altogether in 2011, as NPR reported.

Bullfighting Is Strong Bonds With Spanish Tradition

Bullfighting is strong bonds with Spanish tradition. This arena sport is now a part of the Spain's rich tradition and it has been played in the country since time before beginning. Bullfighting is basically an arena sport and has its roots in European and Latin history. Though this arena sport has faced a lot of criticism but it has fought and the sport continues to be played even today in Spain. Hoards of crowd enjoy while the bullfighting his live.
Bullfighting is essentially a battle of intelligence and strength. Played between a man and a bull, this historic sport has taken the art form. While you are in Spain, you may make it to a bull running arena but before being a part of it you must grab some information so that you understand the sport better.
Identification
A match of bullfighting is basically a played between being matador (bullfighter) and the bull. The matador uses a number of maneuvers in order to antagonize the world and make angry. The bull's anger is generally triggered using a red piece of cloth. When this cloth is waved, the bull said to turn irritated and he tends to attack the matador. The matador is also intended to kill the bull in order to win the game but the fact is even the life of matador is at hard risk.
Geography
Bullfighting is a part of Spin's tradition but the sport has also travel to Portugal, Latin America, Southern France and certain part of United States as well.
Fatalitie
Bullfighting was basically criticized because of the fact that the sport is immensely fatal for the bull. The bull is stabbed a multiple number of times during the fight. Not only is it barbarous but the matador is also attacked several times by the bull during the whole seen. The matador's life is also at risk as the attack of Bull can also be lethal. Because of its gruesomeness, the sport was on the verge of getting banned.
Culture
Bullfighting has very strong ties with Spanish culture. According to the Spanish people, bullfighting is representation of finesse and style. Other than this, the sport is also said to represent the courage of the matador.
Opposition
Bullfighting has faced immense opposition from various countries and also by animal rights group. According to this group, bullfighting is a form of abuse and it should not be continued. The bulls are subjected to face is slow and extremely painful death.