In a highly contentious move, bullfights have made a comeback in Mexico City as the country's highest court temporarily reversed a local ruling that had suspended the events for over 18 months, sparking protests from animal rights defenders. The resumption of bullfighting at the Plaza México, the world's largest bullfighting arena, has reignited the ongoing debate between enthusiasts and opponents over the ethical concerns surrounding the sport.

On Sunday, the first bullfighter to enter the ring was the renowned Mexican matador, Joselito Adame, who was greeted by thousands of cheering spectators. The atmosphere inside the arena was filled with excitement as fans welcomed the return of the controversial tradition, also known as "fiesta brava" in Spanish. Some voices in the crowd shouted, "Long live freedom," expressing their support for the resumption of bullfights.

However, outside the arena, approximately 300 protesters gathered hours before the event to voice their opposition to bullfighting. Chanting slogans such as "Murderers!" and "The plaza is going to fall!", activists made their stance against the practice clear. Despite some tense moments when a few participants threw plastic bottles and stones, the protest remained largely peaceful. Activists held signs with messages like "Bullfighting is sadism," questioning the return of an activity that they believe inflicts harm on animals.

The legal battle over the future of bullfighting in Mexico City has taken numerous twists and turns. In May 2022, a local court ordered the suspension of bullfighting activities at Plaza México following an injunction presented by the civil organization Justicia Justa, dedicated to defending human rights. However, the resumption of events was granted after the nation's Supreme Court of Justice overturned the suspension in December. The court is currently examining whether bullfights infringe upon animal rights, and a final decision is pending.

Despite this recent development, animal rights groups have been gaining ground in Mexico, resulting in restrictions on bullfighting in various states, including Sinaloa, Guerrero, Coahuila, Quintana Roo, and Guadalajara. Nevertheless, ranchers, businessmen, and fans argue that banning bullfights not only infringes on their rights but also jeopardizes the thousands of jobs associated with the industry. Estimates from the National Association of Fighting Bull Breeders in Mexico suggest that bullfighting contributes approximately $400 million annually to the country's economy and supports 80,000 direct jobs and 146,000 indirect jobs.

With bullfights now back in action at Plaza México, the clash between those who view it as a cherished cultural tradition and those who condemn its impact on animal welfare continues to intensify. As the legal battle unfolds, the fate of bullfighting in Mexico City remains uncertain, leaving both sides to anxiously await a final determination.