Sheep replace cars as they cross Madrid en route to winter pastures

The annual occasion, which began in 1994, permits shepherds to train their proper to use conventional routes to herd their livestock from northern Spain to more southerly pastures for winter grazing.

A younger shepherd herds a flock of sheep via central Madrid on Sunday, October 24, 2021.

Manu Fernandez/AP

The route would have taken them via quiet countryside a couple of centuries in the past, however in the present day sees them traverse the busy metropolis.

"It's marvellous. I come every year and this is the first year I've brought the children so it's amazing," mentioned Graciela Gonzalez, 39.

The sheep walked to the sound of their jangling neck bells. Shepherds wearing conventional gown accompanied their flocks with people music and dancing.

A herd of sheep enters central Madrid on Sunday, October 24, 2021.

Manu Fernandez/AP

Children more used to seeing visitors jams on the town streets loved the chance to rise up shut to the animals.

"We can sometimes touch them," mentioned Carmen Iglesias, eight, who was watching along with her father and youthful sister Noa, six.