The free tickets for bullfights for children under eight in Seville are reigniting the national debate about the Spanish tradition. The Pages company says that adult spectators with a ticket for the practice bullfights with young bulls in the Maestranza, the bullring in Seville, can be accompanied by a child for free. The company believes this is “the best way to introduce the little ones to the Spanish world of bullfighting”.
Advocates of bullfighting, in which the animal is usually killed by a sword thrust from a matador (‘killer’), believe that tradition should be preserved. Critics say it is a cruel ritual that has no place in modern society.
José Enrique Zaldívar, head of a Spanish animal rights group, said the attraction of children is an attempt to counter declining spectator numbers. “We believe it is wrong to allow young children to attend these shows because seeing animals suffer can cause psychological harm,” he added.
The Ministry of Culture does not want to comment on Pages’ new campaign.
Tags: Seville lets children bullfights free acquainted tradition
