Bullfighting is banned in Colombia. Yesterday, the Colombian Parliament approved a draft law stipulating that bullfighting must be abolished within three years. Therefore, this ancient cultural tradition will become illegal from 2028.

Colombian President Petro still has to sign the new law, but that seems like a formality. Two years ago, Petro became the first left-wing president to win elections in the South American country. He is known to be an opponent of events.

Bullfighting has been held in Colombia since Spain colonized the country. Now fewer than twenty municipalities still organize these events. However, the annual bullfight in Manizales in the center of the country still attracts tens of thousands of spectators.

Animal rights activists told the Associated Press that they were relieved that the bulls and horses “will no longer be tortured” and that “children will no longer be subjected to this scene.” Enthusiasts describe the ban as an attack on the freedom of minorities. They also believe this is a problem for cities where large audiences still attend events.

Bullfighting remains legal in a few countries, including Spain, Peru, Ecuador and Mexico. At the beginning of this month, it was announced that children in the Spanish city of Seville will start from now on free They are allowed to go to bullfights.

But the controversial tradition is divisive there, too. For example, activists in the Spanish city of Pamplona have been demonstrating daily before the start of the annual Running of the Bulls for more than twenty years. The Spanish region of Catalonia banned bullfighting in 2010.