A special box for children aged 5 to 12 at the Badajoz bullring has reignited debate. Child and animal welfare groups criticize the initiative, citing UN recommendations. Local authorities are under scrutiny for supporting the project.
A new initiative at the Feria de San Juan de Badajoz has triggered sharp criticism from child protection and animal welfare organizations. For the second year in a row, the event features a dedicated box for children aged five to twelve, offering them free access to bullfighting festivities. The measure, promoted by Fusión Internacional por la Tauromaquia, aims to introduce young audiences to bullfighting through educational and recreational activities during the festival.
The children's box, located in the shaded section of the Badajoz bullring, is scheduled for June 20 and 24. Organizers state that qualified monitors will supervise the minors throughout the event, providing age-appropriate explanations about bullfighting and organizing games between each bull's appearance. Notably, children can attend without being accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, a detail that has intensified the controversy.
The Fundación Franz Weber, a prominent environmental and child advocacy group, has publicly opposed the initiative. The organization argues that allowing children as young as five to attend bullfights, even under professional supervision, contradicts recent recommendations from the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child. In February, the Committee urged Spain to set a minimum age of 18 for participation in bullfighting events and schools, and to launch awareness campaigns about the potential impact of bullfighting-related violence on minors.
According to Fundación Franz Weber, the presence of official logos from the Ayuntamiento de Badajoz, Diputación Provincial de Badajoz, and Junta de Extremadura on promotional materials signals institutional support for the project. The foundation questions whether this backing aligns with Spain's obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified in the 1990s. The group has also requested details about the specific training of staff responsible for supervising the children and insists that the best interests of the child must be prioritized in any activity targeting minors.
Fusión Internacional por la Tauromaquia defends the children's box as a safe, educational way to connect new generations with a longstanding cultural tradition. The company highlights that the initiative allows families to enjoy the festivities knowing their children are under professional care. Organizers emphasize that the program is designed to foster understanding of bullfighting in a manner tailored to young participants.
The debate in Badajoz reflects a broader national discussion about the place of bullfighting in Spanish society, especially regarding minors. While bullfighting remains a protected cultural practice in many regions, several autonomous communities have introduced restrictions on children's attendance at such events. The United Nations has repeatedly called for stricter measures, but implementation varies across Spain. The controversy at the Feria de San Juan underscores ongoing tensions between tradition, child welfare, and evolving international standards.
