Bullfighting fans in Catalonia are set to see the last fights before a ban on the age-old tradition comes into effect in Spain’s north-eastern region.
About 20,000 spectators are expected to fill Barcelona’s Monumental arena, where top matadors will be performing.
Lawmakers voted for the ban last year – the first in mainland Spain – after 180,000 people signed a petition.
They say the bullfighting is barbaric, but opponents say they will challenge the ban in Spain’s top court.
Cruel killing for entertainment continues however in some local Festivals.
The ban takes effect on 1 January, but Sunday’s fights in Catalonia will be the last events of the 2011 season
She adds that there is also a growing awareness of animal rights and, crucially, the desire of Catalan nationalists to distinguish the region from the rest of Spain and its traditions.
Bullfighting is permitted in all other regions of Spain except in the Canary Islands.
Campaigners hope to extend the ban across the country, but they face a far tougher task in traditional bullfighting heartlands like Andalucia and Madrid, our correspondent says.
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