Home » TRAVEL EVENT NEWS » Debate Over Animal Welfare Raises Questions About the Future of Bull-Related Events in Catalonia and Its Impact on Tourism and Culture- Spain, Mexico, Portugal, and More Still Promote Similar Traditions Published on
August 8, 2025 |Catalonia, a region famed for its cultural heritage, is facing an escalating debate regarding the future of traditional bull-related events, such as the temptes de vaquetes, where young cows are featured in public spectacles. While Catalonia abolished bullfighting in 2010, events involving bulls and cows still remain prevalent in certain areas, particularly in the regions of Terres de l’Ebre and Camp de Tarragona. These events continue to attract both local audiences and regional visitors, despite the growing concerns about animal welfare and ethical treatment of animals. This debate not only touches upon the preservation of tradition but also raises significant questions about the potential impact of these practices on tourism, local culture, and the broader public perception of animal rights.Municipalities like El Morell and Miami Platja are among the last holdouts in Catalonia for such bull-related celebrations, often staged as part of the annual festivals or traditional gatherings. However, the debate is intensifying as animal rights groups and local citizens question whether these practices can be sustained in modern Catalonia, especially as public opinion continues to shift on the treatment of animals.Advertisement The Controversy Surrounding Catalonia’s Traditional Bull-Related EventsAlthough bullfighting was outlawed in Catalonia in 2010, bull-related events like the temptes de vaquetes still occur, particularly in the Camp de Tarragona region, where El Morell and Miami Platja hold festivals that showcase these traditional displays. During these events, participants interact with young cows, which are often subject to physical stress by being placed in confrontational situations with humans. Although these animals are not harmed in the same way as those used in bullfights, many animal welfare advocates argue that these spectacles still amount to cruelty.While organizers claim that the animals are well cared for, with checks by veterinarians and regulations to ensure their safety, animal rights groups like AnimaNaturalis insist that even these events, though non-lethal, involve distressing situations for the animals, particularly since the young cows involved are often underdeveloped and vulnerable. Critics argue that using animals for public entertainment in such a way sends the wrong message regarding their treatment and well-being. Even with efforts to adhere to legal protocols and reduce harm, the debate continues to divide public opinion.The Tourism Impact of Traditional Bull CelebrationsCatalonia has long attracted tourists seeking authentic experiences of Spanish culture, and the region’s bull-related events have historically played a significant role in this. Festivals featuring these animals, such as the temptes de vaquetes, have served as both cultural showcases and tourist draws, offering visitors the chance to witness deeply rooted traditions in rural and small-town Catalonia. However, as animal rights concerns rise, the future of these events could be under threat, with potential consequences for tourism in the region.Tourism plays a major role in Catalonia’s economy, and cultural ev …
