Sheep and Goats Bring Madrid Streets to Life for Transhumance Festival

MADRID — A flock of 1,250 sheep and 160 goats moved through Madrid as part of the city’s Transhumance Festival, drawing residents and tourists to streets normally dominated by urban traffic.

The animals began their journey at Casa de Campo, crossed the Puente del Rey and continued through Madrid’s historic centre. Crowds watched the procession, took photographs and followed the flock along its route.

Some shepherds wore traditional clothing, carried young lambs or gave treats to the animals. Folk musicians added to the festive setting as the procession passed through the capital.

A tradition rooted in rural heritage

The festival celebrates transhumance, the centuries-old movement of livestock between summer and winter pastures along designated drovers’ routes known as vías pecuarias.

Madrid officials also held a traditional payment ceremony at Plaza de la Villa. The symbolic payment dates back to 1418 and was set at 50 maravedís for every thousand animals.

The event highlights the continuing cultural importance of livestock routes and the rural practices associated with them. Traditional grazing also has an environmental role, as animals consume vegetation that can otherwise contribute to flammable undergrowth and increase wildfire risks.

Route changed near Puerta del Sol

This year’s procession did not pass through Puerta del Sol. The route was altered after housing campaigners established a protest camp there following an eviction and the subsequent death of an 87-year-old local resident.

The identities of the campaigners and details surrounding the eviction and the resident’s death were not provided.

Despite the route change, the livestock procession continued through central Madrid, bringing shepherds, animals, musicians, officials and onlookers together for a public display of the city’s connection to transhumance.