At a time of uncertainty for bullfighting in our country, with the Plaza de Toros México under a veiled ban limiting bullfighting events and an increasingly restrictive national panorama, the urgency of finding alternatives to keep the passion for the “Art of Cúchares” alive becomes imperative.
The recent celebration of a luxury bullfighting festival at Cortijo Los Ibelles in Atizapán last weekend is an example of how private celebrations can be a temporary refuge.
However, the boldest and most debated proposal emerged on social media: turning Tlaxcala into the country’s new bullfighting epicenter. This idea, attributed to the capital’s matador Luigi Mercury, is controversial, but deserves a calm and in-depth analysis.
Mercury’s suggestion, “Let’s make Tlaxcala our new Plaza México,” has generated mixed opinions. It’s understandable that, in the heat of passion and the frustration of seeing the Insurgentes bullring closed, immediate solutions are sought. However, trying to equate any bullring with the Monumental Plaza de Toros México, the cathedral of American bullfighting with its 78 years of history and capacity for more than 41,000 spectators, is excessive. Plaza México is not just a venue; it’s a cultural symbol, a meeting point where legendary figures such as Manolo Martínez, Curro Rivera, and Eloy Cavazos have performed. Replacing it is as inconceivable as trying to replace the Vatican with a chapel.
However, Mercury’s proposal, beyond its literal meaning, opens an interesting door: positioning Tlaxcala as a bullfighting oasis for fans in Mexico City.
This small state, the birthplace of a deep-rooted bullfighting tradition, demonstrated its resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. While other regions were paralyzed, Tlaxcala was a pioneer in organizing celebrations adapted to the circumstances, such as bullfights held behind closed doors and events in alternative venues.
Municipalities such as Tlaxcala, Apizaco, and Huamantla, with emblematic bullrings, became beacons of hope for bullfighting.
Unlike Aguascalientes, whose solid bullfighting infrastructure—with bullrings like the Monumental de Aguascalientes and the San Marcos—is largely controlled by a single company, Tlaxcala offers a diversity of managers and entrepreneurs. This plurality fosters a greater variety of lineups and offerings, from formal bullfights to festivals with prestigious ranches such as Piedras Negras, one of the oldest in Mexico, founded in 1848, or De Haro, renowned for its bravery.
Furthermore, Tlaxcala’s geographic proximity to Mexico City—just two hours away—allows fans to travel and return on the same day, a practical advantage that Aguascalientes, located more than five hours away, cannot match.
However, the viability of this “Tlaxcalan oasis” does not depend solely on the will of bullfighters and fans. Bullfighting is an art that requires a significant financial investment, and it is the business owners who assume the financial risk.
The cost of organizing a bullfight in a first-class arena can exceed 2 million pesos, depending on the card and the ranch. Therefore, any initiative to consolidate Tlaxcala as a bullfighting bastion must have the support of business owners willing to invest in the festival in an adverse environment.
The idea of Tlaxcala as a bullfighting refuge does not seek to replace the Plaza México, but rather to complement it while the legal and social obstacles facing bullfighting are resolved. It would be a delight to witness matadors of the caliber of Joselito Adame or Diego Silveti facing legendary bulls in Tlaxcala.
But for this vision to materialize, a joint effort between local authorities, ranchers, bullfighters, and business owners is required.
Tlaxcala, with its rich bullfighting tradition and innovative spirit, has the potential to become a beacon of resistance for bullfighting, keeping the flame of bullfighting burning while the Plaza México fights to regain its place.
As always, the future of the “Art of Cúchares” will depend on the passion of those who defend it and their ability to adapt to the times.
Source: ovaciones
