Over 10,000 people were reported to have marched through the Spanish city of Valencia on Sunday, in protest against what they see as government efforts to rid the country of the tradition.

The demonstrations were in response to local authorities across Spain cutting subsidies for bullfighting. Several famous bullfighters were in attendance, including Enrique Ponce, Julian Lopez Escobar and Jose Antonio Morante Camacho, who at one point addressed the crowd.

"The bullfighting world is aware of the problem and maltreatment we are suffering at the hands of a part of the political class," Morante said, according to the AFP news agency.

Counter-demonstrations were held by animal rights activists, who took to the streets on Sunday to protest against the sport.

Bullfighting has been a point of contention in Spain due to what many see as its inhumane treatment of animals. Six years ago the northeastern region of Catalonia banned the sport.

blc/jm (AFP, AP)