Last Bullfight in Catalonia
Approximately 20,000 bullfighting fans turned up for a bullfight in Barcelona on Sunday. This was the last bullfight of the season and likely the last fight that will ever take place in La Monumental arena. A bullfighting ban will take effect on January 1st in Catalonia. After the sixth and final bull was killed, three of Spain’s top matadors were carried out of the arena on the crowd’s shoulders. Many fans were protesting the ban outside the arena, while activists were celebrating their victory. Bullfighting has not been banned in other Spanish regions, though animal rights activists hope to extend the ban across the country. Others call bullfighting a Spanish art form that ought to be protected. While attendance had declined in recent years, tickets for the last show were sold on the black market for up to five times the price.
Comprehension Questions
Why was this the last bullfight in Catalonia?
Bullfighting has been banned in Catalognia and the ban will
take effect on January 1st, 2012. Therefore, the last Sunday's
bullfight on Barcelona was the last one in the La Monumental
arena and in the region of Catalognia.
What does the report say about the famous matadors?
After the death of the six bulls, the matadors were carrried out
of the arena on the fan's shoulders.
What hope do animal rights activists have?
The animals activists hope that bullfights will be banished in
the whole country.
Discussion Question:
Despite 180,000 signatures from people who call bullfighting cruel, one fan compared closing the Barcelona arena to “throwing a Picasso painting into the garbage”. What do you think about this comparison?
From my point of view, this comparison makes no sense. How can killing a bull in such a crual way can be compared to an art ? Even if bullfights have been part of the Spanish culture for more than 5 centuries, nothing justifies such barbarity against living animals. I'd rather say that, to kill three bulls at a bullfight is like throwing 3 Picasso in the garbage.
Comments
Hello Lucy,
So your country is facing the same "anti-bullfigth" protestors ! Nowadays, killing animals is not well seen anymore, even if it is in part of the traditions of the country. Thanks for giving us your opinion.
I love animals, so I've never seen a bullfight. However, it is a tradition in my country. Each year we have the traditional fair. · Jesus del Gran Poder ¨ This is a famous fair in South America.
In fact, many activists are fighting to disappear bullfight of our traditions, but it is very difficult to succeed. :)