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Barcelona May Ban Bullfighting

Catalonia vote pits tradition vs animal rights

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 28, 2010 2:00 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Catalonia will vote today on whether to become the first mainland Spanish region to say adios to bullfighting. The spectacle has long been in decline in the region, and the capital, Barcelona, now only holds a dozen or so bullfights a year, with foreign tourists making up much of the audience, the BBC notes. A vote was called on the issue after 180,000 people signed a petition characterizing bullfighting as outdated and barbaric.

Those who oppose the ban, however, say the move is an effort to stamp out symbols of Spanish culture amid resurgent Catalan nationalism. "It is all about nationalism," a lawmaker from the conservative Popular Party tells the Wall Street Journal. "Bullfighting is part of Catalonia's historical and cultural heritage, but Catalan nationalists oppose it because it also is a symbol of Spain."

Spanish matador Alejandro Talavante makes a pass at the Monumental bullring in Barcelona, Spain.
Spanish matador Alejandro Talavante makes a pass at the Monumental bullring in Barcelona, Spain.   (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Spanish bullfighter Jose Tomas makes a pass during a bullfight at the Monumental Bullring in Barcelona, Spain.
Spanish bullfighter Jose Tomas makes a pass during a bullfight at the Monumental Bullring in Barcelona, Spain.   (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
newsrmandan
Jul 28, 2010 3:26 PM CDT
If the bull is going to be slaughtered anyway at least give them have a fighting chance.
BlahBlahBlah
Jul 28, 2010 11:50 AM CDT
I personally find the practice appalling but it is not my country so that is for them to decide and it appears they are in that process.
kati
Jul 28, 2010 10:44 AM CDT
MADRID — Bullfighting, considered by many Spaniards to be an essential part of their culture, suffered its most significant setback to date on Wednesday when lawmakers in Catalonia voted to ban fights in their region. The law was immediately hailed as a victory by animal welfare groups over what they consider to be a barbaric and outdated practice. -- full story: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/29/world/europe/29spain.html

 
Spain • animal cruelty • bullfighting • Barcelona • Catalonia

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