Who are the people who really make a living from bullfighting in Colombia?

This article is based on a research study aimed at providing insights for the understanding of Bill 219/23C-309/23S “By means of which, throughout the national territory, the development of bullfighting activities, rejoneo (mounted bullfighting), novilladas (bullfighting with young bulls), becerradas (bullfighting with calves), tientas (testing of female bulls), encierros (bull runs), and the release of heifers, as well as the procedures used in these shows, are prohibited, both in public and private settings” (Chamber of Representatives, n. d.). The research generates figures on the number of bullfights or novilladas fought by bullfighters or novilleros between January 1, 2012, and November 20, 2023. The motivation for the research arises within the discussions of the aforementioned bill in the Senate, as well as in previous projects on the same matter. These discussions have led to a continuous debate and doubts about the article of the bill that addresses the economic reconversion of individuals who can demonstrate that their income and primary economic support derive from the activities subject to prohibition.