17th International Summit Against Bullfighting in Madrid
26-11-2025On 15 and 16 November, the 17th International Summit Against Bullfighting took place. The summit was a great success. Representatives from eight bullfighting countries and other nations gathered in Madrid to join forces. The summit was held in Spain this year to support our Spanish colleagues in their fight against bullfighting.
17th International Summit Against Bullfighting in Madrid | Picture: International Anti-Bullfighting Network
On 7 October, the Congress of Deputies in Spain decided not to consider the citizens’ initiative No es Mi Cultura (‘It Is Not My Culture’) that aimed to end bullfighting as cultural heritage. This happened because the socialist political party PSOE – which had previously promised to vote in favour – suddenly abstained. A major disappointment for our colleagues, who had worked on it for two years.
During the summit, we discussed our successes, lessons learned, and strategies. There was much to celebrate: Colombia has not only banned bullfighting, but also festivities involving bulls; Mexico City has ended traditional bullfights, and the Mexican state of Michoacán has also banned bullfighting. In addition, in all countries where bullfighting still takes place, we see a decline in the number of events.
Key conclusions from the 17th International Summit
Fewer bullfights are taking place worldwide. Maite van Gerwen, director of CAS International, emphasizes:
“It is abundantly clear that the majority of people in bullfighting countries no longer want to accept the animal suffering caused by bullfighting. This is partly thanks to the remarkable awareness efforts that our colleagues in all countries are achieving together. The passion and hard work of all our colleagues were once again clearly visible during this summit in the presentations and discussions. It is wonderful to collaborate with such energy and work together to end bullfighting.”
Some key points from the summit:
Colombia makes history again. It has now also banned all cruel festivities involving bulls. In 2024, Colombia had already banned bullfighting (though the law will only take effect in 2027).
Capitals without bullfights and a ban in Mexico City (bullfights with blood and death). In Bogotá, Caracas and Quito, no bullfights were held in 2024–2025.
Mexico now has six states with bans; since April, Michoacán is included.
The Constitutional Court of Ecuador confirmed that the ban on bullfighting in 126 cantons remains in effect. Ecuador has a total of 221 cantons.
Growing public rejection of bullfighting. Some examples:
- In Mexico, 72% of the population opposes bullfighting (Enkoll survey for EL PAÍS and W Radio, March 2025).
- In Spain, 77% oppose bullfighting (Fundación BBVA, 2025).
- In Spain, France and Portugal, 77% believe bullfighting causes too much animal suffering, and 58% want a ban (Ipsos I&O Public, 2023, commissioned by CAS International).
Fewer bullfights in bullfighting countries. Examples:
- France: 38% decrease since 2014.
- Portugal: 36% decrease since 2014.
- Spain: 60% decrease since 2007.
- Ecuador: 70% fewer bullfights since 2012.
Better protection for children:
- Ecuador has banned access for minors under 18.
- Portugal is working on a ban for minors under 16.
Action at the Spanish Congress
On Monday, 17 November, one day after the summit, we held an action at the Congress of Deputies in Madrid, together with the initiators of the citizens’ initiative No es mi cultura, to support the efforts of our Spanish colleagues. Organizations from Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, Peru, France, Portugal, the Netherlands, the United States, and the United Kingdom took part. Representatives of the Spanish political parties Podemos, Sumar, Verdes Equo, and Más Madrid were also present at the protest.
17ª Cumbre Internacional Antitauromaquia en Madrid | Foto: David Canales
Aïda Gascón, Spain coordinator of the International Anti-Bullfighting Network:
“We have taken advantage of this summit to come here and demonstrate this international support, the pressure we want to put on the PSOE, which is the only party that has not taken a position and remains neutral in this debate to repeal the law protecting bullfighting as cultural heritage. And because of their neutrality, this democratic debate is being obstructed, which last October prevented the consideration of the initiative in the Congress of Deputies.”
Estefanía Pampín Zuidmeer, Spokeperson of the Network, about the protest:
“We are here in Madrid on behalf of the International Network Against Bullfighting to show that, while countries like Colombia and Mexico are taking steps toward ending bullfighting, Spain is falling behind. The PSOE is blocking a debate initiated by Spanish citizens, which is an undemocratic decision. We call on the PSOE to move Spain forward and to stop blocking the debate on a ban on bullfighting.”
The Promoting Committee of the Citizens’ Initiative will continue working, this time in collaboration with the political parties that will re-submit the bill to repeal the protection of bullfighting as Cultural Heritage. The Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasun, has also expressed his support for this proposal. If the PSOE does not allow the debate through one route, it will be achieved through another.
The annual conference was organized by CAS International, with the support of the coordinators of the International Network Against Bullfighting, in Madrid.