Last Bullfight in Barcelona,Spain - September 25,2011

Bullfighting has been a feature of Spanish life for hundreds of years - a signature event of a nation.But in recent times popularity has waned and in 2010 an animal rights group called Enough put together a 180,000 strong petition to ban the sport.Bullfighting in Barcelona was banned on July 28, 2010, with the ruling coming into force on January 1, 2012.

Spain's bullfighter Jose Tomas performs at the Monumental bullring in Barcelona, Spain. Spain's powerful northeastern region of Catalonia bids farewell to the country's emblematic tradition of bullfighting with a final bash at the Barcelona bullring - September25,2011

Bullfighter Serafin Marin leaves the bullring carried on the shoulders of a supporter at the end of the last bullfight at the La Monumental on September 25, 2011 in Barcelona, Spain.18000 people crammed into La Monumental, Barcelona's last operating bullfighting arena. They yelled "Freedom for Catalonia" when the final 570 kilogram bull was felled and were equally vocal as they carried matador Serafin Marin on their shoulders out of the stadium.

Spanish bullfighter Jose Tomas salutes the crowd during the last bullfight at La Monumental bullring in central Barcelona Sept 25, 2011

Spanish bullfighter Jose Tomas performs a pass during the last bullfight at Monumental bullring in central Barcelona Sept 25, 2011

Spanish bullfighter Jose Tomas is carried on shoulders by fans after the last bullfight at Monumental bullring in central Barcelona Sept 25, 2011

  
Workers of La Monumental bullring have their picture taken after the last bullfight in central Barcelona Sept 25, 2011