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Crowd narrowly avoids injury after fighting bull leaps barrier during event in Mexico City
A dramatic scene unfolded on January 19, 2025, during a bullfighting event at the José Garfias ‘Hechicero’ ranch in Mexico City when a bull unexpectedly leaped over a barrier, causing chaos among spectators.
Terrifying Moment Caught on Camera
The incident occurred during the 2025 Anniversary Fair, with Spanish matador Borja Jiménez, 32, at the center of the action. Known for his mastery in the ring, Jiménez was leading the fight when the bull, agitated by his pink muleta, made an unexpected charge toward the edge of the arena.
In a heart-stopping moment captured on video and shared widely on Instagram, the bull launched itself over the wooden barrier, landing dangerously close to the seated audience.
Audience Scrambles for Safety
Photos shared online reveal the pandemonium as the bull cleared the barrier. In one image, spectators can be seen recoiling in shock, some leaning back in their seats while others leapt to their feet to avoid the animal. One woman even jumped from her chair in a desperate bid to escape.
Another image shows the bull sprawled on the ground after landing inches from the audience. Remarkably, no injuries were reported during the incident.
Matador Remains Silent on the Chaos
While the incident left the audience shaken, Jiménez did not address the scare. Instead, he posted a triumphant photo of himself standing in the center of the arena, arms raised, holding a bouquet of flowers.
The Controversy of Bullfighting in Mexico
The shocking event has reignited debate over the practice of bullfighting, a tradition deeply rooted in Mexican and Spanish culture.
Originating in Spain and brought to Latin America in the 1500s, bullfighting faced a major challenge in Mexico City in 2022 when a judge issued a temporary ban. However, this decision was overturned by the country’s Supreme Court of Justice after two years, allowing the controversial practice to resume.
Critics, including Humane Society International, argue that bullfighting inflicts unnecessary suffering on animals. An estimated 180,000 bulls are killed globally in bullfights each year, with many more injured in related events. “Bulls suffer from a protracted death in the bullfighting arena, weakened and tormented both physically and mentally,” the organization states.
Despite ethical concerns, bullfighting remains a significant industry in Mexico. It creates 80,000 direct jobs and 146,000 indirect jobs, generating an estimated $400 million annually.
Plaza Mexico: A Symbol of Bullfighting Legacy
Plaza Mexico, located in the capital, is considered the heart of Mexican bullfighting and is one of the largest bullrings in the world, alongside Spain’s Las Ventas in Madrid and La Maestranza in Seville.
As videos of the leaping bull continue to circulate online, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers of the centuries-old tradition—and the risks for both participants and spectators alike.
Featured image credit: Future Publishing / Getty
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