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The decision, announced by Spain’s Culture Ministry, comes amidst mounting concerns for animal welfare and a declining interest in traditional bullfighting spectacles.
Spanish style bullfighting, a spectacle where the animal typically meets its demise at the hands of a matador wielding a sword, is viewed by its proponents as a cherished cultural heritage in need of conservation. However, detractors vehemently denounce it as a barbaric ritual that has long overstayed its welcome in contemporary society.
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Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun defended the move, citing a “new social and cultural reality in Spain” where sentiments regarding animal welfare have gained prominence and attendance at bullrings has dwindled.
“I think that’s the feeling of a majority of Spaniards who can understand less and less why animal torture is practiced in our country… and much less why that torture gets awarded with public money,” Urtasun remarked.
The national award, which came with a prize of 30,000 euros ($32,217) funded by the government, has been a honour bestowed upon renowned bullfighters like Julian Lopez, known as ‘El Juli,’ as well as cultural associations linked to the bullfighting tradition.
However, its abolition marks a significant shift in Spain’s cultural landscape and has become a focal point in the country’s ongoing culture wars.
The move has drawn swift criticism from conservatives, who view bullfighting as an integral part of Spain’s cultural heritage. Borja Semper, spokesperson for the Opposition conservative People’s Party, condemned the decision, accusing the government of disregarding cultural diversity and liberty. He pledged that his party would reinstate the award if it regained power.
Jorge Azcon, leader of the People’s Party in the Aragon region, expressed similar sentiments, emphasising the importance of tradition in uniting rather than dividing society. Despite opposition, the abolition of the award signals a broader trend towards reevaluating traditional practices in light of evolving societal values.
In Latin America, where bullfighting was introduced during the colonial era, and in southern France, where it gained prominence in the 19th century, resistance to the tradition has surged in recent years.
In Spain specifically, the average bullfighting enthusiast has grown older, and the number of bullfighting festivals has decreased significantly over the past decade.
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