‘Tourists are fooled into seeing bullfights,’ says protest group

A GROUP of 20 half-naked young men and women gathered in Palma’s Plaza España to protest bullfighting, a ‘sport’ that ‘deceivingly’ attracts many tourists. Protesters from the anti-bullfighting group, AnimaNaturalis, spelled out the word ‘Stop’ by laying on the ground in their underwear while another 50 volunteers handed out pamphlets and information regarding bullfights, according to the group’s coordinator, Guillermo Amengual.

The coordinator spoke about tourists’ experiences with bullfighting in Mallorca explaining that whether it is in Muro or Alcudia, tourists are, “fooled into entering the bullrings.” “They are sold an unreal show: a show where there is no blood or torture,” said Amengual adding, “they leave crying and wanting to report their guides for selling them such a spectacle.” Amengual took a moment to speak out against the throwing of red paint on the façade of Palma’s Bullring, stating, “AnimaNaturalis does not condone such violent acts,” but rather “informs and raises awareness.” One of the organisation’s missions is to, “prevent ticket sales,” for the bullfights, “to people under 16 years old.” Such a law already exists, but is not enforced, said the organisation’s coordinator. Furthermore, he expressed his hope that “this year is the last for bullfighting in Mallorca,” pointing out that the usual 10 bullfights have been reduced to just three this year.