Mexico City Ends Traditional Bullfights With New Bloodless Version

In a landmark move for animal welfare, Mexico City has officially banned traditional bullfighting, replacing it with a new version that eliminates violence. According to The Guardian, the city’s congress voted to end the practice of stabbing and killing bulls in the ring, marking a significant win for Animal rights activists after years of legal battles.

While bulls will still be showcased in the iconic Plaza México—the largest bullring in the world—the events will now be “bloodless.” Matadors are allowed only to use capes to provoke the bull’s movements. All weapons have been banned, and the bull’s horns will be padded for safety. These events will be strictly time-limited to 15 minutes, and crucially, bulls cannot be killed during or after the event.

Activists welcomed the shift, though many cautioned that non-violent does not mean non-cruel. “Bulls will no longer be subjected to the brutal cruelty of being repeatedly stabbed and ultimately killed in the ring, which is something we welcome,” said Anton Aguilar, executive director of Humane World for Animals Mexico. However, he added that suffering may still exist in these new performances.

The measure stems from a citizens’ initiative that originally proposed a total ban. Mexico City’s mayor, Clara Brugada, altered the proposal to maintain economic benefits tied to bullfighting, a sector said to Support tens of thousands of jobs. Still, she emphasised that culture must evolve with society’s growing awareness of animal welfare.

Bullfighting defenders argue the change will fail to engage audiences, noting that similar bloodless formats in Spain were ultimately abandoned. This change may not be a full victory, but it’s a clear step toward compassion over cruelty.

Let’s keep pushing for entertainment that doesn’t exploit animals. Support animal-free traditions, raise awareness, and speak up—because every step away from cruelty matters.

Video Source: Al Jazeera English/Youtube

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