FORMER The Smiths frontman Morrissey has addressed a letter to Pedro Sanchez demanding that he end the tradition of bullfighting.
In it, he wrote that ‘Spain has enriched the world with extraordinary music, art, literature and dance, but tauromaquia (bullfighting) continues to tarnish their reputation to the world’.
“A frightened and tortured animal, slowly dying, drowning in its own blood because a man tortured and stabbed him, represents a cruelty towards animals that cannot be justified by calling it ‘culture’”, Morrisey continued.
Instead, he referenced Velazquez, Cervantes and flamenco as true examples of Spanish culture and art that clearly contrasts with what some refer to as ‘the bloody spectacle’.
The singer also gives a nod to his own lyrics; ‘the bullfighter dies, nobody cries’. Indeed, he believes that ‘if tauromaquia disappears, there will be celebration, not tears’.
“The generosity, the warmth and the talent of the Spanish people will shine without that stain. The only thing that will disappear is the reminder of less civilised times.”
He claims to be voicing the opinions of many: “There is an overwhelming outcry to prohibit this atrocious spectacle.”
Morrisey addresses Sanchez bluntly: “I beg you to take advantage of the responsibility of your position to do something that the world and your own people will be grateful for: ending this barbarism.”
“History condemns those who defended cruelty. It remembers those who had the courage to end it.”
The singer wrote the missive in light of his upcoming concerts in Barcelona and Madrid, scheduled for tomorrow and July 29 respectively.
He also touches on a topic that has been widely discussed by politicians, especially in Andalucia.
He believes that ‘public money is used to support an inflicted pain in such an unnecessary way – resources that could be destined to truly important causes’.
In this matter, president of the Junta Juanma Moreno (PP) has been widely criticised by left wing parties as well as animal welfare associations due to his decisions in bullfighting matters.
In May last year, he was involved in a public argument after his right wing party spent €300,000 for streaming three corridas (bullfights) on live television, from Sevilla directly to Canal Sur.
PP General Secretary, Antonio Sanz, has also openly called the Andalucian government ‘taurino’ – which is to say that it is in favour of bullfighting.
The Junta prides itself on pushing forward policies that support bullfighting, such as updating regulations, multiplying the public economic inversion and promoting the retransmission in public television.
In a public speech in March last year, during an event for the Andalucia Bullfighting Prizes, Moreno claimed that this is ‘an inalienable historical legacy of which we are deeply proud’.
He stated that he has ‘utmost respect to those who love the ‘fiesta’ of the bulls and exercise their right to enjoy it’.
He added: “Also to those who do not like it, do not resonate with this cultural expression and do not want to go to the ring.”
Although Sanchez has personally said that ‘he does not like bulls’, his government has not eliminated the spectacle.
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