The National Bullfighting Prize will not be awarded this year, and the Ministry of Culture, led by Ernest Urtasun of Sumar, has initiated the procedures for its definitive cancellation, as reported by eldiario.es and confirmed by EL PAÍS. The Prize has been awarded since 2013, when Francisco Manuel Ojeda González won it, alongside other prizes dedicated to Theater, Narrative, Comics, or Dance, with a prize of 30,000 euros, which was 10,000 euros more than some of the other prizes, such as Poetry. The Spanish legal system considers bullfighting to be part of the cultural heritage worthy of protection throughout the national territory. The Ministry’s website still states that as part of the cultural heritage, there is an obligation for all public authorities to guarantee its conservation and promote its enrichment.
In its electoral program, Sumar was clear about bullfighting: it proposed, in its section on Animal Protection and Welfare, the “repeal of Law 18/2013 on cultural and heritage protection of bullfighting,” limiting the participation of minors “in cruel shows with animals,” and the “elimination of public funding for bullfighting shows with animal deaths.” “My position is well known on this issue. Bullfighting is a great Spanish tradition, but, like everything in life, traditions evolve, right? I have said many times, I believe that a large majority of society does not agree with animal abuse,” Minister Urtasun explained in an interview with this newspaper. None of the recent Fine Arts Medals, the responsibility of his ministry, were awarded to the world of bullfighting.
The former Minister of Culture, Miquel Iceta of the PSOE, also faced controversy related to bullfighting. This occurred when bullfights were excluded from the Youth Cultural Bonus, which grants 400 euros to citizens who turn 18 to spend on culture. Finally, bullfighting had to be included when, in February 2023, the Supreme Court annulled its exclusion. However, according to the ministry itself, only 0.17% of the spending on the Bonus was dedicated to bullfighting activities. The last winner of the National Bullfighting Prize was Julián López “El Juli,” in 2023, the year of his retirement after 25 years in the bullrings, a career that took him “from his beginnings as a prodigious child, to establish himself as a legendary figure in bullfighting,” according to the jury.
The National Bullfighting Prize has been an important cultural award in Spain since 2013, but the decision to cancel it this year reflects the changing attitudes towards bullfighting in the country. With the current government’s focus on animal welfare and the backlash against traditional practices involving cruelty to animals, it is not surprising that the prize has been discontinued. While bullfighting remains a significant part of Spanish cultural heritage, there is a growing recognition that it may not align with modern values regarding animal rights and welfare.
The controversy surrounding the cancellation of the National Bullfighting Prize highlights the ongoing debate in Spain about the role of bullfighting in contemporary society. Supporters of the tradition argue that it is an important cultural practice that should be preserved and celebrated, while critics view it as a cruel and outdated form of entertainment that should be banned. The decision to cancel the prize reflects a shift in public opinion towards greater consideration for animal welfare and a recognition that certain traditions may need to evolve or be reevaluated in light of changing societal values. Ultimately, the future of bullfighting in Spain remains uncertain as the country continues to grapple with conflicting attitudes towards this controversial practice.
