A dangerous incident occurred during a bullfighting event in Mexico City when a bull leaped over a barrier.

Spanish matador Borja Jiménez with a bull at the 2025 Anniversary Fair. Credit: Future Publishing / Getty

The chaos unfolded on January 19 during a fight led by Spanish matador Borja Jiménez at the 2025 Anniversary Fair at the José Garfias ‘Hechicero’ ranch.

The 32-year-old, who is known for his skill in the ring, had been performing with the bull before its unexpected jump.

In a video shared on Instagram, Jiménez is seen controlling the animal with his pink muleta as it charges and circles during the performance.

The heart-pounding moment occurred when the animal launched itself toward the seated audience, sending spectators scrambling for safety, per ABC News.

Photos shared on social media captured the terrifying incident. In one image, the bull is seen crashing into a wooden barrier, appearing to vault directly toward the startled crowd.

Spectators are shown leaning back in their seats, shielding themselves, while one woman jumps from her chair to escape.

A fighting bull broke the barrier and jumped towards the audience. Credit: Future Publishing / Getty

Another image shows the bull falling after it landed on the other side of the barrier, just inches from the audience. Miraculously, no injuries were reported.

Jiménez didn’t address the horrific incident and instead posted a picture of himself standing in the center of the ranch with his arms raised and holding a bouquet.

The bull fell after it landed on the other side of the barrier. Credit: Future Publishing / Getty

Bullfighting remains a deeply controversial tradition worldwide.

The spectacle, which originated in Spain and was introduced to Latin America in the 1500s, faced a significant setback in Mexico City in June 2022, when a judge banned bullfighting.

However, after two years, the country’s Supreme Court of Justice overturned the ban, and bullfighting is once again being celebrated across the nation.

According to Humane Society International, globally an estimated 180,000 bulls are killed annually in bullfights, with even more injured or killed in related events.

The organization highlights the cruelty of the practice, stating: “Bulls suffer from a protracted death in the bullfighting arena, weakened and tormented both physically and mentally.”

Despite the criticism, bullfighting is a significant industry in Mexico, creating 80,000 direct jobs and 146,000 indirect jobs nationwide.

The National Association of Breeders of Fighting Bulls reports that the industry generates approximately $400 million annually.

Mexico City’s massive bullfighting ring, Plaza Mexico, is deemed the cathedral of Mexican bullfighting and is one of the three main bullrings in the world along with Las Ventas in Spain’s Madrid and La Maestranza in Seville.