Mallorca: Horse carriages are in front of it - what does tourists expect?

Mallorca: Horse carriages are in front of it - what does tourists expect?

vacationers who travel to Mallorca can look forward to unforgettable experiences in the capital Palma. The city attracts numerous tourists with its winding streets, numerous cafes and the impressive cathedral "Le Seu". But the popular picture of the city is accompanied by a controversial discussion about the use of horse -drawn carriages. These horse -drawn carriages have been criticized for years because animal rights activists denounce the conditions for the animals that have to work at high temperatures. On Facebook, calls for the boycott of the horse -drawn carriages are circulating, while opinions split in society. Some demand a ban on the cruelty of animals, while others defend the long tradition of horse -drawn carriages.

The Palma City Council already made a decision in 2022 to banish the horse -drawn carriages by 2024 and to replace the traditional carriages with electrical wails. This ban should give the carriage drivers, locally known as "Caleseros", to switch to electrical drives. Nevertheless, the profession initiates resistance to the ban, they believe that the animals are treated well and maintained. Manuel Vargas, a spokesman for the coachman, vehemently protests against the ban. He emphasizes that the coachmen act out of respect for their animals and the allegations of animal abuse were created due to racist prejudices against the often Roma-born coachmen.

measures and controls

In response to the ongoing criticism, the city of Palma decided to introduce more controls instead of a complete ban. The coachmen are now obliged to present veterinary certificates that document the vaccinations and treatments of the horses. In addition, license numbers must be attached clearly on the dishes of the animals, and the horseshoes must be made of rubber. These measures are intended to ensure that the animals do not have to suffer unnecessarily.

In addition, there will be clear regulations that regulate the use of horses on hot days. At a warning level of the Spanish weather service, the horses must not work, which is punished by administrative offenses with fines of up to 1,800 euros. In the context of extreme temperatures, a mobile phone video that a horse shows that collapses at 40 degrees Celsius further heats up the discussion about animal welfare conditions. Animal rights activists criticize that the horses often do not get enough water and rest periods are not observed.

Future of the carriage rides

The future of the horse -drawn carriages in Palma seems unsafe. While the city council introduces laws that are supposed to ban horses in the city by 2024, there are already considerations about alternative means of transport, such as the electrical wails. The discussion about the horse -drawn carriages not only spills over to Palma; A similar debate also takes place in Vienna. So far, the city administration remains in the approval of Fiakers, even if concerns about animal welfare are expressed, similar to the Green Minister of Health Johannes Rauch.

in Palma, the decision of the city council of May 16, 2025 and the upcoming changes in the carriage soon could change the landscape and the tourist experience in this popular holiday destination.

For more information on these developments, see Derwesten.de and geo.de .