Spanish bullfighting political and local developments

The bullfighting sector in Spain continues to navigate political friction alongside a busy schedule of regional festivities and logistical developments.

At the national level, the Sumar coalition has proposed a non-legislative initiative in the Congress of Deputies to withdraw all public support, including subsidies and awards, and to convert bullfighting spaces. They have also called for a review of agricultural aid to ensure the Common Agricultural Policy does not indirectly finance the sector. Conversely, in the Extremadura region, the PP-Vox coalition has increased the bullfighting budget by 500% to 1.78 million euros and is seeking to declare the practice a ‘Bien de Interés Cultural’ (BIC) to protect it from ideological challenges.

Local festivities and events remain active across several regions. In Cuenca, Daniel Moset achieved a triumphant exit through the ‘Puerta Grande’ following a successful debut at the San Julián Fair. In Medina del Campo, preparations for the San Antolín festivities have commenced, including ox runs to test new safety measures near the AVE tunnel. Other notable events include the ‘Fuente de Vino’ in Toro, a practical class bullfight in Utrera scheduled for September 19, and the VI José María Manzanares contest in Alicante on September 5-6. Additional upcoming festivities include an ox run in L’Alcora on August 29, a bullfight in Tarifa on August 30, and the Romería de la Virgen de la Herrería in El Escorial on September 6.