The Regional Government of the Azores has stated that it did not provide any sponsorship or financial support to the Arraial Taurino held on Terceira Island between April 23 and 26, 2026, according to a formal response submitted to the Azorean Parliament following questions raised by the parliamentary representation of the People–Animals–Nature Party (PAN).

The response addresses several issues related to public funding of bullfighting activities, the operation of the Regional Bullfighting Commission, and the ongoing discussion surrounding potential revisions to the regulations governing the traditional Azorean tourada à corda.

Among the questions posed by PAN/Açores were inquiries regarding activities aimed at children and young people that were advertised as part of the Arraial Taurino program, including a scheduled “Mini Tourada à Corda.” The Regional Government replied that it did not possess official information regarding the event’s activities because it had no direct involvement in its organization. Officials indicated that details could be obtained through the public program circulated by the event organizers.

On the question of public support, the Government’s response was unequivocal.

According to the executive, no sponsorship or financial contribution was granted to the Arraial Taurino.

The parliamentary request also revisited a broader and more contentious issue: the future regulation of tourada à corda, one of the Azores’ most distinctive and debated cultural traditions.

PAN recalled that in September 2024 the Regional Secretary for Agriculture had announced work toward revising existing rules with the stated objective of strengthening animal welfare protections. The party sought clarification regarding when such proposals would be formally presented.

In its response, the Government noted that, on March 26, 2025, it established a working group tasked with preparing the groundwork for a future intermunicipal regulatory framework governing tourada à corda. The group includes representatives from the Regional Directorate for Agriculture, Veterinary Services and Food, the municipalities of Angra do Heroísmo, Praia da Vitória, Velas, and Santa Cruz da Graciosa, the Regional Association of Tourada à Corda Bull Breeders, the Republican National Guard (GNR), the Public Security Police (PSP), and registered livestock transport operators.

Since its creation, the working group has held seven meetings.

According to the Government, one of its priorities has been gathering field data on the stress experienced by animals during events and transportation. Monitoring conducted throughout the 2025 bullfighting season included daily assessments of environmental conditions and other factors affecting animal welfare.

While this phase of data collection has been completed, the Government acknowledged that discussions remain ongoing. Officials indicated that additional questions continue to be evaluated before final conclusions can be incorporated into a final report and possible regulatory proposals.

No timetable was provided for the presentation of new rules.

The Government also addressed questions concerning the Monumental Bullring of Terceira Island. Officials reported that the most recent inspection took place on May 7, 2026, concluding that the facility met the required safety and hygiene standards for its intended use. Under current regional legislation, bullrings must undergo annual inspections before receiving operating licenses.

Another aspect of the parliamentary inquiry focused on public expenditures related to the Regional Bullfighting Commission. According to the Government, no public funds have been spent on travel or accommodation for commission members since 2021, as all participants in both ordinary and extraordinary meetings have been residents of Terceira Island.

The Government did, however, disclose annual payments made to technical bullfighting delegates. These amounted to €423.44 in 2021, €868.20 in 2022, €944.82 in 2023, €232.60 in 2024, and €833.36 in 2025, for a total of €3,302.42 over the five-year period.

PAN also requested information regarding inspections carried out at bullfighting events since 2021. The Government’s response did not provide a detailed breakdown by year or by type of event, stating only that annual inspections are routinely conducted at all bullrings hosting bullfighting spectacles.

The exchange reflects the continuing debate surrounding tourada à corda in the Azores, where the practice remains deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of several islands, particularly Terceira, while also attracting increasing scrutiny from animal welfare advocates.

As discussions continue within the working group, the future regulatory framework for one of the archipelago’s most distinctive traditions remains under review, balancing cultural heritage, public safety, and evolving concerns regarding animal welfare.

Based on information released by the Regional Government of the Azores and questions submitted by PAN/Açores to the Azorean Parliament. In Diário dos Açores-Paulo Viveiros-director