Elsewhere in Spain, although crowds still fill stadiums, sometimes paying US$150 or more to touts for seats, bullfighting has undoubtedly lost popularity. Two years ago state TV axed live bullfights, saying coverage clashed with children’s viewing times — though the recent proliferation of TV channels means there is probably more of the sport now available than ever before.
No one, however, is talking about a nationwide ban. There have been many previous efforts to end bullfighting, none very successful. In 1567, Pope Pius V decreed that torturing bulls for amusement runs “contrary to Christian duty and piety,” and ordered an immediate halt to the practice. A public outcry forced his successor to repeal the decision.
Taipei Times on Facebook
RSS