A thousand sheep will parade through the streets of Madrid during the Fiesta de la Trashumancia

Next Sunday, October 20, a thousand sheep will march through the central streets of Madrid during the traditional festival Fiesta de la Trashumancia. You can admire this unusual spectacle for free — just follow the route of the flock. Those who want to learn more about this ancient custom can take part in interesting activities and workshops for the whole family.

The tradition of the sheep drive is more than a thousand years old. Back in Roman times, the area where Madrid is now located was on the route that shepherds used to drive sheep flocks to the southern pastures for the winter. But in the Middle Ages, when the city came into being, animals became a real problem for its inhabitants, so sheep were moved along a different route. In 1994, Madrid’s city council renewed the tradition of distancing livestock, and the Fiesta de la Trashumancia has become one of the most anticipated events of the year.

Although the sheep will not parade through the streets of Madrid until Sunday, the activities for the festival will begin as early as Friday, October 18. On that day, everyone is invited to accompany the flock from the outskirts of Pozuelo to the entrance of the sheepfold in Casa de Campo Park. The flock will pass through Puerta del Zarzón. The walk will start at 10:00 and end at 13:30.

While the herd walk is primarily for adults, the «Shepherds for a Day» event is open to children ages 7 and up. On October 19, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., they will be able to spend time with the sheep in the pasture at Casa de Campo and learn about animal husbandry from the shepherds. On the same day, from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m., there will be a screening of the sheep wool cartoon «Cuentacuentos: SOS lana» in the park of Casa de Campo.

Also on Saturday, there will be workshops on felting, spinning wool and making toys by felting. And on Sunday, October 20, there will be a master class for adults on cheese making followed by cheese tasting. You can register for all the events here.

On Sunday at 10:30 a.m., a huge flock of sheep will enter the city and march through its main streets to the Madrid City Council headquarters, where there will be a ceremony to pay the maravedis (payment for the flock’s passage). The sheep will then return to Casa de Campo, from where they will head back to their pens. You can see the route of the flock here.

 

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Photo thaisa1980 from flickr.com