AP PHOTOS: Those devoted to bullfighting in Mexico feel recent bans harm a sacred tradition
Mexican bullfighter Diego Silveti touches an image of the Virgin of Guadalupe in the bullring chapel before a bullfight in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico (AP) — Mexico City lawmakers recently voted to ban violent bullfighting in the country’s capital.
An embroidered image of the Virgin of Guadalupe decorates Mexican bullfighter Diego Silveti’s capote, or bullfighter’s cape, in a hotel room in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
An embroidered image of the Virgin of Guadalupe decorates Mexican bullfighter Diego Silveti’s capote, or bullfighter’s cape, in a hotel room in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
Mexican bullfighter Diego Silveti smiles at fans in the bullring after a bullfight in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
Mexican bullfighter Diego Silveti smiles at fans in the bullring after a bullfight in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
A woman in traditional Spanish garb touches her cross necklace before a bullfight in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
A woman in traditional Spanish garb touches her cross necklace before a bullfight in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
Mexican bullfighter Diego Silveti holds his montera, or bullfighter’s hat, during a bullfight in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
Mexican bullfighter Diego Silveti holds his montera, or bullfighter’s hat, during a bullfight in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
Spanish bullfighter Alejandro Talavante holds a bull’s tail and ears after a bullfight in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
Spanish bullfighter Alejandro Talavante holds a bull’s tail and ears after a bullfight in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
Mexican bullfighter Diego Silveti gestures to fans in the bullring after a bullfight in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
Mexican bullfighter Diego Silveti gestures to fans in the bullring after a bullfight in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
Animal rights advocates celebrated the decision, but for matadors, fans and cattle breeders, this long-time Spanish tradition bears a profound significance that would be shattered if bulls were not to be killed at the arena.
For Diego Silveti, a fourth-generation matador, bullfighting is a vocation, a path that he embraces despite knowing it might kill him. “I am willing to lose my life if necessary,” Silveti said. “For my legacy, for my significance, for what God has commanded me to do.”
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This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.