his is the 9th article on my blog series about the Philippines in connection with the Filipino-American History Month Celebration here in the US.
Bullfighting in the Philippines has a fascinating history that stretches back over 400 years, blending Iberian influences with local traditions. This practice emerged during the Spanish period and has undergone various changes throughout its existence.
In the 1890s, bullfighting events were held in Manila, specifically in the Paco district, where a bullring was situated. American writer Joseph L. Stickney, who was in the Philippines from 1898 to 1899, observed that "neither Spanish bull-fighters nor Spanish bulls are brought to the island." Consequently, local talent was utilized for both roles in the spectacle. Stickney described the bulls as "timid and lazy," and noted that the bullfighters were not much better, suggesting that the experience differed significantly from traditional bullfighting in Spain, Cuba, or Mexico.
A brief revival of bullfighting occurred during the 1953 Manila International Fair at the sunken gardens outside Intramuros, featuring Spanish bulls and matadors. Despite its popularity at the time, a push to reintroduce bullfighting in 1999 faced strong opposition from groups against blood sports, preventing its return.
Bullfighting was noted in the Philippines as early as 1619, when it was among the festivities in celebration of Pope Urban III's authorisation of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Today, it has been replaced with 💚Cock Fighting- A popular Gambling Activity of Most Filipino Men. Why is cockfighting very popular in the Philippines?
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