Cockfighting in Cuba: A tradition rooted in history
Cockfighting has been an integral part of Cuban culture since the time of Spanish colonization. Arenas, both legal and clandestine, are present throughout the country, testifying to this lively passion.
Every weekend from December to July, hundreds of people gather in these arenas to have their roosters fight. Despite the risks involved, including the death of many animals, the breeders (called galleros ) continue to participate in these events. A rooster can cost more than $300, which encourages the breeders to treat them with care. They even make special crates to transport them safely, ensuring their nutrition and training.
The tradition of cockfighting is so deep-rooted that there are Cuban families where the grandfather, father and son are all galleros. To prepare their roosters, the galleros feed them a high-protein diet (eggs, fish or meat), control their weight through exercise, and train them with sparring roosters, whose spurs are cut and their beaks tied to prevent injury.
Despite the ban on cockfighting by Fidel Castro's government in 1968, the tradition has endured. Although arenas have been demolished and the fights have been pushed underground, Cuban peasants have found ways to keep the practice alive. The ban has led to a transformation from a popular event to a secret spectacle, fueled by the passion of the fans.
Since the 1980s, the government has decriminalized cockfighting, but imposes strict regulations, allowing only arenas controlled by the Cuban company Flora y Fauna for tourist events. However, hundreds of clandestine arenas continue to thrive, where Cubans bet thousands of pesos.
Cockfighting, often seen as a cultural tradition, also raises concerns about animal cruelty. For some, the fights are an expression of ingenuity, while for others, they are synonymous with abuse.
Cuban roosters, though small, are known for their agility and aggressiveness, attracting breeders from other countries. Fights are between roosters of the same category, weighed before each match to ensure fairness. The rules prohibit the use of spurs longer than 23 mm, and a veterinarian checks each rooster before the fight to ensure their condition.
Most galleros play by the rules, and cockfighting is often referred to as the "gentleman's game." However, these fights often end tragically, with serious injuries or loss of life.
Despite the controversy surrounding cockfighting, passion for the tradition remains strong in Cuba, even among some members of the government. The arenas continue to operate, and with demand outstripping supply, many galleros are forced to go underground.
It is essential that these arenas be legalized and regulated, as the tradition of cockfighting is an integral part of Cuban identity. Cubans and their fighting cocks are inseparable, a testament to their vibrant and resilient culture.
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