Advertisement

• Originally, the bull was used in advertisement for a Spanish company known as Osborne, which produced and sold sherry and other alcoholic beverages.
  
  

Symbol

• During the time it was used for advertising, many who called Spain home began to consider the black bull as a symbol of Spain and its culture.
  
  

Protest

• In 1994, a law was passed that banned billboards and advertisement from Spain's streets. When the citizens heard this, they protested, insisting the silhouette of the black bull be allowed to stay.
  
  

Compromise

• Finally, a compromise was reached that allowed the black bull to remain, provided it not have have any words or advertisements printed on it.
  
  

Result

• The result of this compromise is the solid-black bull of today, a symbol proudly claimed by Spain's natives and those who have visited.