Bullfighting has declined in popularity in Catalonia but fights are still held in Barcelona
The parliament of Catalonia has voted to ban bullfighting - the first region of mainland Spain to do so.
The vote took place as the result of a petition brought to parliament, signed by 180,000 people who say the practice is barbaric and outdated.
Bullfight supporters insist that the corrida, as it is known, is an important tradition to preserve.
They also fear the vote could be the first of many in the country. The ban takes effect in January 2012.
In Wednesday's vote, 68 backed a ban, 55 voted against and nine abstained.
Barcelona's main bullring is one of the oldest in Spain, but support for the bullfight has waned.
The vote was brought to the agenda by activists who argue it is cruel and unacceptable and say most spectators in Catalonia these days are tourists.
Supporters says the corrida is an art form that it is vital to preserve.
The vote was close as the two main parties in parliament took the unusual step of allowing members to cast their ballots according to their conscience.
But while the official debate is over animal rights, many believe this process is an attempt by nationalist-minded Catalans to mark their difference from the rest of Spain by rejecting one of its best known traditions.
Pro-bullfighting groups fear that a ban could spark a wave of similar campaigns across the country. They argue that threatens the livelihood of thousands of people.
Click here to view original article by Sarah Rainsford, BBC News, Wednesday 28th July, 2010
