Horse Collapses in Front of San Nicolás – Alarm in Palma in the Afternoon

Suddenly Collapsed: A Horse in the Midst of the Tourist Crowd

On Saturday around 3:00 PM, an incident in Palma's old town drew attention: a horse pulling a traditional carriage sank on the pavement in front of the San Nicolás church. Those who were passing by describe it as a shocking moment — right in the middle of the crowd, directly beside a souvenir stall.

First aid from passersby and the coachman

The coachman and some tourists reacted without hesitation. They unhitch the harness, cooled the animal with water, and shielded it from curious glances. Many people stood by, some talking on phones, others filming — that's how it is today. After a few minutes, several helpers managed to carefully raise the horse again.

Eyewitnesses report rapid exhaustion of the animal. The sun was blazing, the asphalt hot, the air felt heavy — around 30°C was shown in the city. Officially, initially no emergency treatment by a veterinarian was carried out, but the horse was expected to be examined later in the day, as residents heard.

Why do animals collapse in the city?

A single collapse always signals a bigger problem. Heat, stress from traffic and crowds, hard streets — all of which affect horses that work in the city center. Animal welfare groups see such incidents as a warning sign and have long called for stricter rules or alternatives to the traditional carriage.

In conversations with neighbors, the phrase "no longer up-to-date" often came up. Some propose electric carriages, others shuttle services or guided tours without animals. Will the city react so quickly? Unclear. The administration has already announced that it would review the incident.

Voices from the neighborhood

"I was just at a cafe, I saw it. The horse looked exhausted," says a shop assistant from Carrer Sant Miquel. A taxi driver adds: "When the sun is this high, this is no place for animals." Such statements repeat themselves, always with a quiet accusation and a large dose of concern.

For many, the scene sticks in the mind: the animal on the hot pavement, people helping, and the question of whether traditions should be reconsidered. It is not forbidden to enjoy old pictures, but it must not come at the expense of a living being.

What is important now

In the short term: calm for the horse, veterinary examination, and transparent information from those responsible. In the long term: clear rules to protect the animals and alternatives for tourists. The debate has been reignited. And in Palma, where traditions are highly valued, people will now watch to see whether words are followed by actions.