Updated

Spain's Parliament is expected to agree to debate whether bullfighting should be declared of cultural interest to the entire nation, a move that could eventually knock down a ban on the spectacle in the northeastern region of Catalonia.

A pro-bullfighting group in Catalonia has collected 590,000 signatures. The petition reaches Parliament on Tuesday.

Backed by the ruling conservative Popular Party — which has an absolute majority — the proposal is guaranteed approval. A cultural commission will then work on proposed legislation over the coming months.

If eventually made law, the bill could be used to overturn the 2011 ban by Catalonia.

Bullfighting is no longer as popular in Spain as it was in previous years mainly because of the economic crisis and changing tastes.