800 year old Madrid TRASHUMANCIA ANIMAL CUSTOM!

800 year old Madrid TRASHUMANCIA ANIMAL CUSTOM!

In recent years, Madrid’s 800 year old annual Trashumancia animal custom event has featured approximately 1,200 sheep and 200 goats.

THIS 800 year old Madrid TRASHUMANCIA ANIMAL CUSTOM is ALIVE and WELL.
ENGLISH: Sheep and Goats
Español: Ovejas y Cabras

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Madrid’s Trashumancia is a historic tradition in which shepherds move their livestock—primarily sheep—through the city’s streets as part of their seasonal migration between summer and winter pastures. This practice dates back centuries, originating from Spain’s medieval Mesta, a powerful association of shepherds granted special grazing rights by King Alfonso X in the 13th century.

Key Aspects of Madrid’s Trashumancia:

Ancient Rights: The livestock routes, known as Cañadas Reales, were legally protected paths that allowed shepherds to move their flocks across Spain. One of these routes passes through Madrid.

Annual Event: Though less common today due to modern infrastructure, Madrid celebrates La Fiesta de la Trashumancia every October. During this event, shepherds guide thousands of sheep through the city’s heart, including Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía, reclaiming their ancient right to passage.

Cultural Symbolism: The event serves as a tribute to Spain’s rich pastoral history and raises awareness about rural traditions, sustainable farming, and environmental conservation.

A Modern Celebration of Heritage: Today, Trashumancia is less about necessity and more about cultural preservation. It highlights the importance of traditional farming practices and maintains a connection between urban life and Spain’s rural past.

Madrid’s Trashumancia remains a remarkable sight, where modern city life briefly merges with a centuries-old rural tradition, reminding residents and visitors of Spain’s deep agricultural heritage.

LOCATION: Crossing over Madrid’s Puente del Rey from the Casa de Campo park to the other side of the Río Manzanares.