The municipality of Mahateslocated in the department of Bolívar, in Colombiaintroduced an innovative approach to preserve its traditional corralejas without endangering animals or people. Known as the “Artistic-cultural festival of human bulls”, the event replaces real animals with participants who they wear costumes and masks depicting bulls and horses.
This change reflects a community commitment to safer and more ethical practices, keeping the spirit of the celebrations alive. The tradition of corralejas, characteristic of the Colombian Caribbean coast, has always been considered a moment of celebration but is often accompanied by fatal accidents and suffering for animals.
In Mahates, the transformation of the corralejas into a symbolic simulation dates back to 2016 and aims to promote a culture that celebrates art and creativity. During the festival, the participants they simulate typical bullfighting scenesincluding the interventions of the garrocheros and the charging of the bulls, but in a completely harmless way.
The essential elements of the party remained
The community of Gamero, hamlet of Mahates, has preserved essential elements of partylike the music of the wind bands, the typical wooden structures and the enthusiasm of the participants. However, the elimination of violence against animals and the reduction of risks to people represent significant progress. To make the event more realistic, even fictitious “injuries” are stagedcurated symbolically by other participants.
This change occurred in a national context of debate about bullfighting. In 2024, in fact, Colombia officially has prohibited these practices with the approval of a law supported by President Gustavo Petro.
Despite the ban, some communities have sought alternative ways to continue their cultural traditions. Mahates’ initiative is a positive example of how ancient customs can be transformed into events that respect life and promote artistic creativity. This respectful approach model could inspire other regions to consider similar alternatives.
