Palma horse carriages: around 100 demand electric switch

Palma, Mallorca: around 100 people march through the centre on 17 October 2026, demanding that electric vehicles replace horse-drawn carriages. They want the city council to set out a public timetable for the change. A lorry leads the march, its side screens showing videos of horses that have collapsed in the carriage trade.

The march starts at Plaza de la Porta de Santa Catalina and passes the Feixina, Paseo de Sagrera and Avenida de Antoni Maura before ending at Plaza de la Reina. Protesters say there is no excuse for animal abuse and accuse Palma’s mayor, Jaime Martínez, of not caring about the horses’ treatment.

Organisers say the physical effort, traffic, asphalt and weather put the horses at constant risk in a trade serving tourists. They argue that effective restrictions are lacking and question whether checks and inspections protect the animals. As well as a switch to electric vehicles, they want the horses withdrawn from carriage work and given a dignified retirement.

Topics: Protests · Nature & wildlife · Palma

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com