I’ve seen this weekend in Madrid 1,000 sheep taking over the city, an Egyptian temple and more unbelievable and insane things. This is why I love Madrid and Spain!

Yes, you read that right. As part of a Spanish tradition, every year on a Sunday in late October the cosmopolitan city of Madrid becomes a pastoral scene.

Before I forget, this is the video in case you prefer to watch a more complete version:

In other words, welcome to Fiesta de la Trashumancia.

Each year, flocks of sheep and hundreds of goats are herded from northern parts of Spain to southern locations where the pastures are warmer during the winter. There are several migration routes and one of them being the one  through Madrid.

Besides the obvious benefits for livestock farmers, this yearly migration also helps promote awareness of the importance of agriculture in Spain, as agriculture is one of Spain’s strongest industries. But how come they are still able to go through a busy city as Madrid? Well, tradition is the answer!

The itinerary is as follows:

9:00 am. Departure of the herds from Valdeza stream in Casa de Campo towards the Puerta del Rey.

10:30 am. Departure from the Casa de Campo, of the participating transhumant herds, with representation of the autochthonous cattle breeds. Through the Puente del Rey you will cross the gardens to Virgen del Puerto, to ascend from there along the Paseo Ciudad de Plasencia and the Cuesta de la Vega to Calle Bailén.

11:00 am. Entrance through Calle Mayor, accompanied by groups representing popular culture from the different Spanish transhumant regions.

12:00 pm. Pass through Puerta del Sol and enter Calle de Alcalá.

12:30 pm. Arrival at Plaza de Cibeles and entrance to Paseo de Recoletos until Plaza de Colón.

1:00 pm. Return to Plaza de Cibeles, to greet the representatives of the Municipal Corporation and payment of the maravedís, in compliance with the Agreement of March 2, 1418, between the Men and Women of the Mesta and the attorneys of the Town Council .

1:30 pm. Return of the herds to Puerta del Sol.

2:00 pm. Pass through Puerta del Sol and return along Calle Mayor and Cuesta de la Vega towards Casa de Campo. Farewell to the shepherds.

2:30 pm. Entry of the herd to the country house and return to Valdueza area.

Sheep are not the only spectacle to see in this Fiesta. There were groups of performers, such as dancers and musicians dressed in traditional rural outfits. There were also dog companions to keep the sheep moving in the direction of the procession.

I was actually walking with them, pretty much all the way. So in a way I was being herded too. It was a fascinating day but after that we went to the best Churrería in Madrid called Chocolatería San Ginés and to an Egyptian temple called Temple of Debod.

My day ended seeing Madrid from the air in the cable car. I can’t describe this experience but I highly recommend you watch the video.

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