Sebastián Caqueza's Unwavering Commitment Amid Colombia's Upcoming Bullfighting Ban

Sebastián Caqueza, a prominent bullfighter deeply entrenched in the cultural heritage of the sport, stands steadfast in his dedication despite the recent legislative developments threatening to curtail bullfighting in Colombia. With a lifetime devoted to this ancient tradition, Caqueza’s resolve remains unshaken even as new legislation moves towards a ban on the sport by mid-2027.

An Unyielding Passion for Bullfighting

At the age of 33, Sebastián Caqueza has been a devotee of bullfighting since his youth, transitioning from an eager beginner to a professional matador over the past five years. His official entry into the ranks of bullfighters, marked by the ceremonial Alternativa, involved a dramatic and arduous demonstration of his skill and courage, culminating in the death of a bull through his sword. As the new law, signed by President Gustavo Petro, edges closer to its full enactment, Caqueza remains resolute in his intent to continue participating in bullfighting, though he acknowledges that he will do so outside Colombia’s borders.

“I will continue to participate in bullfights outside of Colombia,” Caqueza asserted. “And once bullfights are illegal in Colombia, we will stage them here anyway, because this is our passion and our life.” His commitment to the sport is so profound that he boldly declares, “I will die a bullfighter.”

The New Legislation and Its Implications

The legislation, recently ratified by President Gustavo Petro, introduces a phased restriction on bullfighting, beginning with a three-year transitional period leading up to a complete ban by mid-2027. Additionally, the law mandates the transformation of more than a dozen bullfighting arenas into venues for concerts and exhibitions, signaling a significant departure from traditional practices.

This bill, which emerged from extensive debates within Colombia’s Congress earlier this year, signifies Colombia's exit from the limited list of countries where bullfighting remains legal. This list includes Spain, France, Portugal, Mexico, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru. Importantly, the legislation does not outline specific penalties for those who persist in organizing bullfights, a potential challenge for effective enforcement.

Shifting Public Sentiment and Polling Data

Recent polling data illustrate a notable decline in bullfighting's popularity within Colombia. The legislative action has been met with widespread approval from animal rights advocates, who view the ban as a triumph for animal welfare and a reflection of evolving societal norms. This shift in public opinion is evident in the broader support for ending bullfighting, a cause that activists have ardently pursued for over two decades.

Cultural and Economic Impact

The impending ban has raised significant concerns among bullfighting enthusiasts and those reliant on the sport for their livelihoods. Critics argue that the legislation threatens both cultural freedoms and economic stability for individuals involved in bullfighting. Nicolas Nossa, a 70-year-old retired matador and proprietor of a bullfighting academy in Choachi, expressed profound dismay, comparing the ban to a personal bereavement. Nossa’s academy, which has nurtured over 100 young bullfighters including Caqueza, has already halted classes for children under 14 following the bill’s approval.

“The academy’s future is now uncertain,” Nossa lamented. “This is especially painful for my generation because we have witnessed the greatness of bullfighting. We represent the hero of flesh and blood, who dies, for real, if he must, just like the bull also gets killed.”

Economic and Practical Considerations

The economic repercussions of the ban are far-reaching, particularly for cattle ranchers who breed fighting bulls. Gonzalo Sáez de Santamaría, who manages the Mondoñedo ranch in Mosquera, expressed deep concern over the fate of his livestock. Established in 1923 with a legacy of Spanish fighting bulls, his ranch faces an uncertain future as the ban approaches.

“What are we going to do with all this cattle?” Sáez de Santamaría questioned. “For every bull that dies in a ring, there are 10 to 15 more fighting bulls” on Colombian ranches. He estimates that over 30,000 fighting bulls are currently in Colombia. Sáez de Santamaría is contemplating various alternatives, including converting his ranch to beef cattle or dairy farming, or potentially selling the property to developers.

Legislative and Cultural Shifts

Senator Andrea Padilla, a vocal advocate for animal rights from Colombia’s Green Party, attributes the successful passage of the ban to shifting public attitudes towards animal spectacles. She has criticized the practice of raising animals to be slaughtered in public events, reflecting a broader societal transformation.

The legislation, crafted by a member of President Petro’s Historical Pact party, also includes provisions for the government to support those affected by the ban, such as by financing projects to help them transition to new careers. Despite this, Caqueza’s dedication to bullfighting remains unwavering, as he declares, “If we can’t fight bulls, we are dead in life.”

In summary, while the new legislation represents a significant cultural and economic shift for Colombia, it also highlights the enduring commitment of individuals like Sebastián Caqueza to the sport of bullfighting. As the nation prepares for this transition, the future of bullfighting in Colombia is likely to continue evoking strong support and opposition, underscoring the deep cultural and economic divides surrounding this controversial tradition.