Spain's Catalonia bids farewell to bullfighting

Matadors drove the killing sword into bulls for the last time yesterday in Spain's powerful north-eastern region of Catalonia in an emotive farewell fight before a polemical regional ban on the country's emblematic tradition takes effect.

Catalonia's Parliament banned bullfighting in July 2010 following a signature-collection campaign by animal rights activists. The ban does not take effect until Jan 1, but Sunday's fight was the last scheduled this season.



Three of Spain's top bullfighters, including No 1 Jose Tomas, starred in the sold-out show at Barcelona's 20,000-seat Monumental ring. Catalan bullfighter Serafin Marin closed the fight killing the last of six bulls to great applause.

Many fans then invaded the ring to grab handfuls of sand to keep as souvenirs. The fight was preceded by moments of tension as pro- and anti-bullfighting activists exchanged insults outside the city's arena.

Critics say the prohibition is less about animal welfare and more a snub to Spain by independence-minded Catalans.

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