When the Spanish arrived in Mexico in the 16th century, they brought with them their own traditions, including cockfighting. The Spanish introduced the sport to the Aztecs, who quickly adopted it and incorporated it into their own culture. Over time, the sport became popular throughout Mexico, and it developed its own unique character and rules.

Today, Mexican gallero culture is deeply ingrained in Mexican society, and it is played in dedicated arenas called “palenques.” The sport is regulated by the government, and there are strict rules in place to ensure the safety and well-being of the birds. In recent years, there has been increasing concern about the welfare of the birds, and some activists have called for the sport to be banned.

Despite these concerns, the sport remains popular in Mexico, and there are many professional and amateur leagues that play regularly. The sport is also played in other parts of the world, including the United States, where it is regulated by individual states.

In terms of government policy, cockfighting is legal in Mexico, but it is regulated by the federal government. The government has established strict rules and regulations to ensure that the birds are treated humanely and that the sport is played safely. In recent years, there have been calls to ban the sport, but so far, it remains legal and regulated.