Barcelona, Spain (CNN) -- Catalonia became the first Spanish mainland region to ban bullfighting after its parliament voted Wednesday to outlaw the tradition on animal cruelty grounds. The vote was 68 in favor and 55 against, with nine abstentions. Those who see the ancient tradition as animal cruelty were ecstatic about the vote, celebrating in the street outside parliament. Fans of bullfighting said the decision, however, does not mean it will disappear from other regions in Spain. Some analysts have said Catalan nationalism -- including the desire by some in the region for independence from Spain -- played a part in the vote. The upcoming regional elections for parliament later this year may have also had a role.
@highlight
NEW: Vote supporters celebrate outside parliament
@highlight
Catalonia is the first Spanish mainland region to ban bullfighting
@highlight
Its parliament votes to outlaw it on animal cruelty grounds
@highlight
Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain
Critics have disagreed, saying the economic impact would be minimal given the small number of fights still held in @placeholder.