Mexico City has moved to end more than 500 years of bullfighting tradition, passing a sweeping and nearly unanimous 61–1 vote that bans the killing of bulls and prohibits the use of sharp instruments in the ring. The legislation represents one of the most decisive actions taken by a major global city against bullfighting, a practice long woven into the cultural fabric of Mexico but increasingly challenged by modern animal-welfare standards.

Animal-rights advocates celebrated the vote as a historic milestone. Organizations such as CAS International and local animal-protection groups called the decision a bold affirmation that ethical treatment of animals should supersede entertainment rooted in violence. According to reporting from Reuters, the new measure aligns Mexico City with a growing number of regions across Latin America and Europe that have moved to restrict or eliminate traditional bullfighting in response to shifting public attitudes toward animal cruelty. Similarly, AP News highlighted that the ban reflects a broader national and global trend in which long-standing cultural practices are being re-evaluated through the lens of contemporary social values.

Supporters of bullfighting, however, reacted with frustration and grief. Many matadors, breeders, and industry workers described the vote as a devastating blow to a tradition they consider an art form and a key component of Mexico’s identity. As The Guardian noted in its coverage of the controversy, proponents argue that bullfighting sustains thousands of jobs and contributes significantly to rural economies connected to bull breeding and event tourism. For them, the ban symbolizes not only an economic setback but also a loss of heritage passed down through generations.

The decision has intensified a national conversation over how Mexico should balance cultural preservation with evolving ethical standards. For centuries, bullfighting in Mexico has blended ritual, performance, sport, and symbolism. Yet surveys cited by Deutsche Welle (DW) show that a growing share of younger Mexicans view the practice as incompatible with modern views on animal welfare. Mexico City’s action therefore highlights a country—and a world—grappling with questions of identity, morality, and progress.

Ultimately, the overwhelming vote marks a defining moment for one of the world’s largest bullfighting capitals. While the ruling has been welcomed by advocates seeking a more humane future, it also leaves behind a divided public reckoning with the tension between tradition and transformation. Mexico City’s decision may now serve as a model—or a cautionary tale—for other regions confronting similar debates over cultural legacy in a rapidly changing era.