The recent proposal by Izquierda Unida and Podemos in the Parliament of La Rioja to prohibit minors from attending any type of bullfighting spectacle in the region has once again focused attention on a crucial and persistent debate in Spain: the exposure of children to the violence of bullfighting. Beyond the dichotomy between tradition and animal cruelty, this debate delves into the realm of children’s and adolescents’ fundamental rights, an area where the recommendations of international bodies clash head-on with the promotion policies driven by parties like the Partido Popular (PP) and VOX, while left-wing parties demand protection for the most vulnerable.
"Every time a local or regional government invests in bullfighting, it is not only funding cruelty, but also investing in the normalization of violence in the eyes of children,” declares Aïda Gascón, director of AnimaNaturalis in Spain. "The proposal from La Rioja is not an ideological whim, but an ethical imperative and a response to the clear recommendation of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. Protecting children from bullfighting violence is protecting their empathetic and moral development; it is building a more just and compassionate society. What kind of future do we want for them if we teach them that suffering can be a spectacle?”
Battle for a bullfighting childhood
On Thursday, May 22, 2025, the Podemos-IU Parliamentary Group presented a non-legislative motion (PNL) in the Plenary of the Parliament of La Rioja seeking to prohibit minors from attending any type of bullfighting spectacle in the community. The deputy Henar Moreno (IU), in defense of this proposal, relied on a report from the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child and the concurrence of "numerous studies and declarations from international bodies" that point out the negative impact of exposure to scenes of violence, even involving animals, on the empathetic and moral development of minors. Moreno specifically criticized promotional bullfighting activities aimed at minors in municipalities like Logroño or Arnedo, despite technical reports warning of the possible consequences. Her proposal not only calls for prohibiting attendance, but also for preventing public funds from being used to promote bullfighting among minors and for conducting awareness campaigns about the harmful effects of such exposure.
The reaction from right-wing parties and the PSOE did not take long. Socialist spokesperson Ana Belén Martínez criticized the proposal, arguing that they were "there to create optimal solutions and not to impose,” and that parents should not be told which programs or series their children can watch, but merely informed of the risks. She accused Moreno of "provoking an ideological debate" and defended that the local bull events (vaquillas) "are part of our community’s cultural heritage and our towns," attacking the proposal as an assault on parents’ decision-making and choice.
Meanwhile, Ángel Alda (VOX) dismissed Henar Moreno’s source, calling it a "recommendation from a UN advisory body without any scientific basis, made by a series of childhood experts from countries without bullfighting traditions." For VOX, "bullfighting is a cultural spectacle, part of our culture and our identity. It is part of our cultural heritage worthy of protection, and from public authorities its preservation must be promoted." The Partido Popular, through Antonio Eguizábal, supported this stance, stating that "first you prohibit access to cultural expressions, and you end up imposing a single-thought on a minority minority," and that one must "establish the right of parents to guide their children in exercising their rights in a manner consistent with education in their capacities."
An ignored warning
The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has spoken explicitly and repeatedly on this matter. In its March 5, 2018 report, in paragraph 25 of the "Concluding observations on the combined fifth and sixth periodic reports of Spain," the Committee recommended that Spain "prohibit the participation of children and adolescents in bullfighting, as spectators and participants, due to the harmful effects that exposure to violence could have on their development." This recommendation is not a minor suggestion, but part of the Committee’s final observations—an organization tasked with monitoring compliance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by Spain.
The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has underscored on multiple occasions the importance of protecting minors from any form of violence. Exposure to animal brutality, suffering, and explicit death inherent in bullfighting spectacles directly contravenes the spirit of the Convention. Child psychology experts have consistently warned about desensitization to violence, reduced empathy, and normalization of cruelty resulting from early and repeated exposure to these events. "The idea that a child can witness the torture and death of an animal as a form of entertainment is abhorrent. It is a perverse message that normalizes cruelty and undermines the values of respect and compassion we should instill from childhood. Children’s rights must prevail over any supposed tradition," says Gascón.
PP and VOX indoctrinate new generations
Over the last four or five years, the stance of regional and local governments controlled by the Partido Popular and VOX has been overwhelmingly one of unwavering support for bullfighting, not only as a "cultural asset" but as an activity to be actively promoted among new generations. This policy is not limited to mere tolerance or preservation, but translates into a proactive push to "rejuvenate" the fandom and ensure bullfighting’s long-term survival. Often, the argument of parents’ "freedom of choice," or the supposed "tradition" and "culture," is used to justify inaction or the active promotion of minors’ attendance at these events.
- Community of Madrid: Under the leadership of Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the Community of Madrid has positioned itself as a stronghold of bullfighting. Promotion policies include direct subsidies to bullfighting schools, organizing events featuring young rookie bullfighters (novilleros), and supporting events aimed at attracting children and youth. For example, there have been campaigns promoting family attendance at the bullrings, often with reduced prices or parallel activities. The creation of novilladas circuits, promotion of the National Bullfighting Festival in educational settings (through visits or talks, though not directly in the official curriculum), and holding young bullfighting talent contests are clear examples of this strategy. President Ayuso has stated on multiple occasions her support for bullfighting as an intrinsic part of Madrid’s and Spain’s cultural identity, defending its teaching and promotion from early ages.
- Valencian Community: With the change of government in the Generalitat Valenciana to a PP-VOX coalition in 2023, the situation for animal rights and a bullfighting childhood has regressed. The previous left-wing administration had implemented certain restrictions or, at least, had not actively incentivized bullfighting with the same intensity. However, the new administration has expressed its intention to "deregulate" bullfighting and give it a new boost. An increase in subsidies, removal of bureaucratic obstacles, and, very likely, greater encouragement of minors’ attendance are expected, in line with both parties’ general stance. The "vaquillas" and "bous al carrer" are deeply rooted spectacles in the Valencian Community, and promoting their "cultural value" among young people is a priority for the current government.
- Andalusia: The Junta de Andalucía, under the Partido Popular government, has maintained a firm policy of support for bullfighting, viewing it as an economic and cultural driver of the region. In this community, the bullfighting tradition is deeply rooted, and the government has actively promoted its continuity through various initiatives. This includes support for Andalusian bullfighting schools, which train future bullfighters from very early ages, and organizing series of events for novilleros. Public funds have been allocated to promote bullfighting, and although not always explicitly aimed at recruiting minors, the general climate of support and normalization of children’s presence in the bullrings contributes to it. The Junta has defended bullfighting as part of Andalusian Cultural Heritage, implying its promotion and protection, including transmission to new generations.
- Castilla y León: This autonomous community is another bastion of bullfighting in Spain. With a PP-VOX coalition government, support for the fiesta has been resolute. Subsidies for fighting bull livestock farms have increased, and active promotion of attendance at bullfights often includes family packages. The presence of bullfighting schools is notable, and the regional government has defended the training of young bullfighters as part of the region’s "identity." The position of the Junta de Castilla y León is clear: bullfighting is a cultural and economic pillar that must be protected and promoted, including its generational transmission, which implies normalizing and encouraging minors’ presence.
- Aragón: In Aragón, the situation has fluctuated depending on the majorities. However, under governments that have included or been led by the PP, the trend has been to protect and promote bullfighting. As in other communities, initiatives supporting bullfighting schools and popular events have been seen, which often include the participation or presence of minors. The arguments of "culture" and "tradition" are used to justify the injection of public funds and promotion of these spectacles among the younger population, despite criticism from animal protection organizations and international reports.
- Balearic Islands: In the Balearic Islands, the situation has been more complex. Although there have been attempts at banning or restricting bullfighting by progressive governments, these have often been overturned or limited by court rulings or political changes. With the arrival of right-wing governments, the aim has been to reinvigorate bullfighting, although social and political opposition is significant. The debate over minors’ presence has also been intense here, with left-wing parties attempting to limit their access, clashing with PP and VOX’s defense of "freedom" and "tradition."
"PP and VOX’s strategy is clear: to create a ‘nursery’ of fans. They use public funds, institutions, and the argument of ‘culture’ to sow the seed of bullfighting in the youngest minds. It is a form of indoctrination disguised as tradition. While the UN and childhood experts call to protect children, these parties deliberately expose them to violence, compromising their emotional and moral development to secure the future of an anachronistic and cruel industry," warns Gascón.
Protecting children from violence
In the face of this promotion strategy, left-wing parties in Spain have maintained a consistent stance defending children’s rights and animal protection, seeking to limit or prohibit minors’ exposure to bullfighting spectacles. Their arguments are based on scientific evidence regarding the impact of violence on child development and on recommendations from international bodies, such as the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.
- La Rioja: The Podemos-IU proposal in the Parliament of La Rioja is the most recent and relevant example of this struggle. Deputy Henar Moreno structured her defense based on protecting minors’ empathetic and moral development, pointing out the negative effects of exposure to violence. The proposal not only seeks to prohibit attendance but also to stop allocating public funds to promote bullfighting among minors and to carry out awareness campaigns. This initiative reflects the line of action that left-wing parties have tried to push in other communities.
- Community of Madrid: In Madrid, parties like Más Madrid and PSOE have harshly criticized the promotion of bullfighting by the regional government. They have presented various initiatives in the Assembly of Madrid to reduce subsidies to bullfighting schools or to restrict minors’ presence at bullfights. Their arguments focus on the incompatibility of these spectacles with educational values of respect for life and empathy, and on the need to comply with international recommendations regarding children’s rights. However, the PP parliamentary majority has prevented these proposals from advancing.
- Valencian Community: Before the government change, parties like Compromís and Podem, together with the PSOE, had advanced toward greater animal protection and less promotion of bullfighting. Although they did not achieve a total ban on minors’ attendance, they significantly reduced institutional support and made the debate about these events’ impact on children more visible. With the current PP-VOX government, the struggle focuses on resisting setbacks and continuing to raise awareness of the issue.
- Andalusia: Despite a strong bullfighting tradition and a conservative majority, parties like Por Andalucía (a left-wing coalition) and the PSOE (with a more ambiguous stance due to internal division over bullfighting) have called for protecting minors. Proposals have been presented in the Andalusian Parliament to limit children’s attendance at bullfights and to review public subsidies. The challenge lies in the cultural entrenchment and the powerful bullfighting lobby in the region, which hinders any significant progress.
- Castilla y León: Here, the opposition to bullfighting and defense of childhood has largely fallen to left-wing parties like Podemos and the PSOE. They have presented proposals to prohibit minors from entering bullrings, arguing that these are violent spectacles unsuitable for children’s development. However, the PP-VOX coalition in the regional government has systematically rejected these proposals, reaffirming its unconditional support for bullfighting.
- Aragón: In this community, parties like Podemos and Izquierda Unida, as well as sectors of the PSOE, have advocated for protecting minors from bullfighting. They have tried to refocus the debate on safeguarding childhood rather than solely on cultural freedom. Their proposals have included banning minors’ attendance and redirecting public funds.
- Balearic Islands: In the Balearic Islands, the legal and political battle has been particularly intense. Parties like MÉS per Mallorca and Podem, with the support of part of the PSOE, have worked to set limits on bullfighting, including prohibiting minors’ entry. Although some initiatives have been overturned in court, political and social pressure has kept the debate alive and raised awareness about the need to protect children from these spectacles.
"Left-wing parties are fulfilling their responsibility to protect the most vulnerable. Their insistence on bringing the debate to institutions, based on science and human rights, is essential. It is a battle for empathy, against violence, and for a future where animal suffering is not a form of entertainment," emphasizes Gascón.
The debate over minors in bullfighting spectacles in Spain reflects a divided society. On one side, part of the population, rooted in tradition and a cultural view of bullfighting, defends its continuity and parents’ freedom to pass it on to their children. They argue it is part of cultural heritage and that banning it would be an assault on individual freedoms and identity. For them, bullfighting is not violence but art and culture.
On the other side, a growing segment of society, driven by the animal protection movement and greater awareness of children’s rights, considers bullfighting a cruel spectacle incompatible with the values of a modern society. For them, exposing minors to violence is unacceptable, regardless of its labeling as "cultural." Empathy for animals and protecting children’s moral development are central arguments.
The timing of the proposal in La Rioja highlights this polarization. The arguments from PP and VOX align with defending bullfighting as cultural heritage and parents’ freedom, dismissing UN recommendations as ideological or lacking scientific basis. In contrast, Izquierda Unida and Podemos base their proposal on protecting childhood from violence, supported by reports and international studies. The PSOE, in its response in La Rioja, exhibits an intermediate or ambiguous position, seeking a balance between parents’ freedom and informing about risks, but without a firm commitment to prohibition.
Education to desensitize against violence
Promoting bullfighting among minors goes beyond merely allowing their entry into bullrings. It seeps into certain educational and social spheres with public administrations’ support. Documented cases include school visits to fighting-bull ranches, talks in schools or institutes about bullfighting "culture," and promotion of bullfighting-related activities in summer camps or children’s cultural programs, especially in communities with strong bullfighting roots and conservative governments.
These programs, often funded with public money, aim to generate familiarity and attachment to bullfighting from early ages, presenting the activity in a sweetened way, without delving into animal suffering or ethical implications. They emphasize "art," "bravery," or "tradition," minimizing or completely ignoring the inherent violence. This strategy is key to ensuring generational succession in fandom, something that deeply worries animal protection organizations.
"The fight to keep minors away from bullfighting is a fight for our society’s future. We cannot allow entertainment to be built on the suffering of others, and even less so to normalize it before our children’s innocent eyes. Children are the future, and if we want a more compassionate, more ethical future where respect for life is a fundamental pillar, we must protect them from violence, wherever it comes from, and stop using public money to perpetuate a spectacle that the civilized world is already starting to leave behind. La Rioja’s proposal is a necessary step; Spanish society must listen to the voice of reason and empathy," declares Gascón.
The battle in the Parliament of La Rioja is just one more chapter in a larger contest being fought throughout Spain. A contest that pits the defense of a deeply rooted tradition against the urgent need to protect children’s rights and promote a culture of non-violence and respect for all living beings. The future of bullfighting—and even more importantly, the future of educating new generations in values—hangs in the balance in this political and social arena.
