Within this year Rum raisin will finally say Goodbye to the horse -drawn carriagesputting an end to a secular tourist tradition. The municipality’s decision was taken mainly for reasons of animal welfarebut also for the urban evolution of the city that has made the circulation of these vehicles in modern traffic more difficult.
The carriages, once a picturesque symbol of the Andalusian city, were highly appreciated by tourists, who considered them a suggestive way to explore Malaga. However this practice has been the subject of growing criticism by activists for animal rights.
According to Concordia Márquez, founder of the “all horses of the world” refuge, the horses used in this service were subjected to excessive efforts, forced to long daily journeys between the resting place and the city center, often in extreme climatic conditions. During the summer, in fact, the temperatures in Malaga they can reach 45 degreesmaking the work for these animals even more tiring and potentially dangerous.
However, the carriages will still be used on holidays and in traditional events
In addition to the ethical aspect, as also said, the urban transformation of the city has played a crucial role in the decision. Compared to the past, the spaces dedicated to the circulation of carriages have reduced considerably, now limiting himself to the city park and a small part of the promenade. Already in 2015, the Municipality had announced its intention to gradually eliminate this service By 2035but the plan was accelerated by ten years, setting the final term to 2025.
Currently there are still 25 active licenses for tourist carriages, but the Municipality is negotiating with the owners for find a fair solution to their revocation. According to the authorities, almost all the suggestions proposed by the operators in the sector were accepted, but once the decision is made official, the licenses will come definitively eliminated.
Despite the abolition of municipal licenses, carriages from the city panorama. Will still be allowed on special occasions, such as Traditional holidays and events. Fortunately, however, their regular use for tourist purposes will be interrupted, marking the end of an era for Malaga. This choice follows a trend already started in other European cities where they are looking for more sustainable and respectful alternatives of animal welfare, such as electrical carriages.
