Cartagena, Colombia — The picturesque city of Cartagena, known for its colonial charm and Caribbean allure, is on the brink of a significant transformation. For decades, tourists have enjoyed leisurely rides in horse-drawn carriages that clatter through the historic streets. However, amid rising concerns for animal welfare, the city government has announced a ban on these traditional buggies, set to take effect on December 29.

The decision has sparked fierce debate among horse cart drivers, who argue that these vehicles are a cherished part of the city’s heritage. Cristian Munoz, a long-time cart driver, expressed his dismay, stating, “We are part of this city’s heritage, like the walls that surround it.” He and others in the industry worry about the future of a livelihood they have cultivated for years.

As the ban approaches, activists advocating for animal rights are celebrating the shift. They argue that the horse-drawn buggies expose animals to excessive stress and risk of injury due to the heavy traffic and hard pavement of urban roads. Local activist Fanny Pachon noted that horses have collapsed from exhaustion in the past, underscoring her belief that these animals are better suited for rural environments.

In an effort to modernize the tourism experience, Cartagena plans to replace the buggies with a fleet of 62 electric vehicles imported from China. These new buggies resemble the classic horse-drawn carriages but operate quietly with battery power, traveling about 43 miles on a single charge. Alejandro Riaño, a local comedian and longtime advocate for change, has been instrumental in pushing the city toward this sustainable transition. He successfully crowdfunded over $25,000 to develop the prototypes that led to this decision.

Liliana Rodriguez, director of Corpoturismo, stated that the electric carts would encourage other cities still using horse-drawn carriages to consider similar upgrades. She emphasized the environmental benefits, highlighting that the new vehicles would be charged through solar energy.

However, the announcement has left many horse cart drivers in distress. They claim that the transition disregards their interests and offers insufficient compensation. Recent discussions have suggested a payment of around $10,000 to cart owners, which they argue falls short of covering their losses. Miguel Angel Cortez, a cart owner, voiced concerns about how they would be integrated into the new system, saying, “We are not against a transition, but we need to know how we will be included.”

Mayor Domek Turbay has accused cart owners of undermining negotiations and expressed willingness to collaborate on the new initiative. Despite assurances, tensions remain. As the deadline approaches, cart owners are contemplating legal action over their exclusion from a potential source of income.

Simultaneously, the city’s administration is keen on attracting visitors by allowing free rides on the new electric carts for the first two months after they are deployed. Some current drivers are eager to transition into roles with the electric vehicles, while others remain skeptical. Munoz lamented, “People come to Cartagena for tradition. Without the horses, it’s not the same.”

As Cartagena embarks on this bold new chapter, the clattering of hooves will soon become a sound of the past, replaced by the hum of electric engines. The city’s transformation reflects a broader trend towards sustainability, but it also raises poignant questions about cultural heritage and the future of traditional occupations.