19.03.2026 01:35
Madrid's Mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida encountered an unexpected intervention from a pigeon during the inauguration ceremony of a monument dedicated to journalists who lost their lives for the sake of press freedom. While Almeida was focused on his speech, the pigeon defecated on his head. The incident interrupted his speech, and Almeida humorously commented, "It brings good luck. May our luck be open."
Interesting moments occurred during the opening ceremony of the monument held in memory of journalists who lost their lives for press freedom in Madrid, the capital of Spain. The speech of Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida was interrupted by a pigeon that defecated on his head.
STRUCK ON THE HEAD DURING THE SPEECH
During the ceremony, a pigeon defecated on Almeida's head while he was speaking at the podium. After a brief pause, the mayor realized the situation, and when he brought his hand to his head, the mess got on his hand as well.
Holding the "unexpected guest" that landed on his head in his hand and showing it to those around him, Almeida humorously commented, "No matter what our differences are, the supremacy of the truth must always remain... And of course, it couldn't be anything else; the idea of a pigeon landing right on the haircut I had done yesterday came to mind. Do you see?" He added with a smile, "It brings good luck. Let's hope for the best."
A staff member came to Almeida's aid. The mayor cleaned his hand and head with a napkin that was brought to him.
THE CEREMONY CONTINUED
While the incident caused laughter among the attendees, the opening program continued as planned.
It was stated that the newly opened monument was built to commemorate journalists who lost their lives for press freedom. The importance of freedom of expression was emphasized in the speeches made during the ceremony.