The COVID-19 pandemic has delivered a severe blow to the bullfighting industry, with over 500 bullfights canceled—accounting for more than 90% of events. Victorino Martin, a seasoned breeder of fighting bulls, faces unprecedented challenges as lockdown measures strip away the primary income source for both breeders and bullfighters.
Martin has bred bulls at a production cost of 5,000 euros each, but breeders only receive around 500 euros for the meat—a stark imbalance that has been exacerbated by the pandemic. With the bullfighting season running from March 15 to October 15, the offseason already saw no income, and the pandemic-induced cancellations have plunged the industry into turmoil.
\"This is the worst period I have seen in my lifetime,\" Martin lamented. Many of his colleagues have been forced to send their bulls to slaughterhouses, intensifying the economic strain. Bullfighters are also grappling with the absence of events, leaving them without income during a critical time.
Martin believes that the quickest path to recovery is a return to normalcy. \"The best solution is to get back to normal life as soon as possible,\" he stated, highlighting the industry's urgent need for stability and support.
Stringer: Luis Carballo
Reference(s):
Story of Fighting COVID-19: Fighting bulls fall prey to lockdown
cgtn.com
