CAS International protests against bullfighting in Valencia

17-03-2025

On March 9, CAS International and AnimaNaturalis protested against bullfighting in the Spanish city of Valencia. We called attention to the continued government support for bullfighting, even as the region struggles with the severe impact of the DANA storm and the resulting floods.

The protest was triggered by the bullfights held during Las Fallas, the annual traditional festival in Valencia. The protest took place in front of Valencia’s City Hall, where more than 50 activists participated, holding large signs. Some of the signs read: “More firefighters, fewer bullfighters.” The protest criticized the policies of the autonomous region of Valencia, which has increased funding for bullfighting while reducing resources for disaster relief.

Support for bullfighting in Valencia

Under the leadership of the far-right political party Vox, the government has recently increased funding for bullfighting through Vicente Barrera—former bullfighter and first vice president of Valencia. The 2024 budget of the Generalitat Valenciana reveals that €1.7 million has been allocated to bullfighting.

Estefanía Pampín Zuidmeer visited the epicenter of the disaster zone in Valencia in February. As a Valencian, she noted:

“Normal life has not yet fully returned to the disaster-stricken area. A great deal of help is still needed for the victims of the floods, and people feel abandoned by the government. It is a disgrace that hundreds of thousands of euros are being spent on promoting cruel traditions while those who truly need help are left to fend for themselves.”

Fallas

The Fallas festivities in Valencia take place from March 1 to 19. Between March 14 and 19, a total of 42 bulls will be killed by bullfighters.

The Fallas festival itself has nothing to do with animal cruelty. The celebration revolves around large sculptures made of wood and papier-mâché, which play a central role in the week-long event. At the end of the festivities, these sculptures are set on fire. Although bullfights take place during Fallas, they are not an inherent part of the festival.

Public Opinion in Spain

A recent study by the Fundación BBVA shows that 77% of the Spanish population finds it unacceptable to use animals for bullfighting. This sentiment is also reflected in other surveys. In 2024, Ipsos I&O Publiek conducted research on behalf of CAS International, surveying 7,500 people about bullfighting. The study revealed that the majority of people in Spain, France, and Portugal oppose bullfighting, believing that the tradition causes unnecessary suffering to bulls.

Majority of people in European bullfighting countries against the harmful tradition

In February, 715,606 signatures were officially submitted in support of a citizens’ initiative calling for the repeal of the law that protects bullfighting as cultural heritage. It is time for the Spanish Parliament to listen to its citizens and put an end to the support for cruel traditions.

 

715,606 signatures to end bullfighting as cultural heritage in Spain

Help us so we can continue with our impactful campaigns! Become a sponsor or make a donation.