The parliament of Catalonia is to vote on whether or not to become the first region of mainland Spain to ban bullfighting.
The vote is taking place as the result of a petition brought to parliament signed by 180,000 people who argue that the practice is barbaric and outdated.
Bullfight supporters insist that the corrida, as it is known, is an important tradition to preserve.
They also fear the vote could be the first of many in the country.
Wednesday's vote could bring a long tradition in Catalonia to an end.
Barcelona's main bullring is one of the oldest in Spain, but support for the bullfight has waned here.
Now the regional parliament will decide whether to ban the practice altogether.
The vote was brought to the agenda by activists who argue it is cruel and unacceptable and say most spectators in Catalonia these days are tourists.
Supporters says the corrida is an art form that it is vital to preserve.
The vote is expected to be close, as the two main parties in parliament have taken the unusual step of allowing members to cast their ballots according to their conscience.
But while the official debate is over animal rights, many believe this process is an attempt by nationalist-minded Catalans to mark their difference from the rest of Spain by rejecting one of its best known traditions.
Pro-bullfighting groups fear that a ban here could spark a wave of similar campaigns across the country. They argue that threatens the livelihood of thousands of people.
