Bullfighting is a longstanding tradition in Mexico, dating back to the time of the Aztecs. The sport, known as “corrida de toros” in Spanish, involves a bull being fought by a bullfighter, known as a “torero”. While bullfighting is an important part of Mexican culture, it has come under heavy international criticism in recent years due to the violence and cruelty associated with it.

When I was invited to attend a bullfight by a sports journalist who travels the world covering these events, I was genuinely surprised. I had heard that bullfighting is now banned in many countries, and that the sport is heavily criticised due to the cruelty involved. Nonetheless, I decided to accept the invitation, intrigued by the opportunity to learn more about this controversial sport.

Upon arriving at the arena, which had been relocated to an industrial area on the outskirts of Mexico City, I was struck by the amount of energy and emotion in the air. A young champion from Spain had been specially flown in for this fight, and I followed him and his legendary coach as they prepared for the fight. While I had expected the tension to be high, I was not prepared for the intensity of the emotions I would experience during the fight itself.

The goal of the bullfighters is to achieve immortality by taking on a destructive beast. The sport is about honor, tradition, and bravery, and the young champion and his coach were a beautiful example of what is so important in this sport. Yet the decline of the sport was clearly evident in the secrecy surrounding the location and the lack of people in the stands. I was so close that I could feel the sweat on my face as the bullfighters engaged in their fight, and I almost felt the fear and bravery of the young men – of the same age as me – who were putting their lives on the line in the arena. I wondered why anyone would take the risk of placing themselves in such a dangerous situation.

During the fight, I couldn’t help but think of the comparison to dancing and a ballerina. Just like dancing, bullfighting requires a tremendous amount of discipline, training, and bravery. Yet there is a clear duality to the sport, which is both admired and criticised. While bullfighters are honored for their bravery and courage, the sport is heavily criticised for the violence and cruelty involved.

It is difficult to say what the future of bullfighting in Mexico will look like. While the sport is an ancient tradition, it seems that it will be difficult to find a form in which the sport can continue to exist in an era of increasing international criticism and changing social norms. Still, the bullfighters hold onto their love for the sport and the honor they receive for the risks they take. It remains a fascinating and controversial sport, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been so close to it.