Cockfighting has a long and storied history in Cuba, and it was brought to the island by the Spanish during the colonial period. The sport quickly became popular among the wealthy landowners, and it played an important role in Cuban social life for many years.

Cockfighting in Cuba, known as “pelea de gallos,” evolved into a highly ritualized and competitive sport. It was played in dedicated arenas, or “galleras,” and was often accompanied by music, food, and betting.

During the 20th century, cockfighting continued to thrive in Cuba, and it was even recognized as a national sport by the government. However, in 1960, the government banned all forms of gambling, including cockfighting. Despite the ban, many Cubans continued to play the sport illegally, and it remained a popular pastime throughout the country.

In recent years, there has been increasing pressure to ban cockfighting in Cuba altogether. Animal welfare activists have criticized the sport for its cruel treatment of birds, and there have been calls for the government to take stronger action to stop the practice.

In 2018, the Cuban government announced that it would be shutting down all of the remaining cockfighting arenas in the country, citing concerns about animal welfare and illegal gambling. The decision was met with mixed reactions, with some supporters of the sport protesting the closure and arguing that cockfighting was an important part of Cuban culture.