The last bullfight in Barcelona - in pictures

Anti-bullfighting protesters ahead of the last bullfight at the Monumental bullring in Barcelona Photograph: Emilio Morenatti/AP

Mounted bullfighting assistants known as picadores warm up before their final performance Photograph: Manu Fernandez/AP

Spain's powerful northeastern region of Catalonia ratified the decision to ban bullfighting in July 2010 Photograph: Alejandro Garcia/EPA

Spanish bullfighter José Tomás walks into the Monumental arena for the last time Photograph: Lluis Gene/AFP/Getty Images

The ban only comes into effect at the beginning of next year, but this weekend's fights represent the end of the 2011 bullfighting calendar Photograph: Manu Fernandez/AP

Tickets for the final day of fighting reportedly exchanged hands for up to €3,500 each Photograph: Emilio Morenatti/AP

José Tomás performs a pass on a bull while wearing his 'suit of lights' Photograph: Lluis Gene/AFP/Getty Images

The Monumental building is expected to receive planning permission for a change of use. Among the proposed projects are an indoor market, luxury flats and a mosque Photograph: Emilio Morenatti/AP

José Tomás fought two bulls, killing the first, and was given the ears of the bull as a trophy Photograph: David Ramos/Getty Images

Some critics of the ban blame Catalan nationalism, believing that the region wanted to distance itself from Spain's emblematic sport Photograph: Lluis Gene/AFP/Getty Images

José Tomás is carried on the shoulders of an assistant after performing in Catalonia's final bullfight Photograph: Manu Fernandez/AP

The crowd rush into the empty arena after Sunday's six scheduled bullfights bring an era to its end Photograph: Albert Gea/Reuters