In Pictures: Sheep take over streets of Madrid for annual migration

Shepherds steered their flocks through the streets following ancient migration routes

Published: October 20, 2019 16:44 Compiled by Nathaniel Lacsina, Digital Content Producer

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A flock of sheep are driven past a construction site in central Madrid, Spain. Image Credit: AP

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Sheep replaced traffic on the streets of Madrid on Sunday as shepherds steered their flocks through the heart of the Spanish capital, following ancient migration routes. Image Credit: AP

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The route would have taken them through undeveloped countryside a few centuries ago, but today it cuts through Madrid's bustling city centre and along some of its most famous streets. Image Credit: AP

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Sheep farmers pay a nominal charge in symbolic acknowledgement of a 1418 agreement with the city council that set a fee of 50 maravedis - medieval coins - per 1,000 sheep brought through the central Sol square and Gran Via street. Image Credit: AP

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The herd includes 2,000 merino sheep and 100 goats. Image Credit: AP

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A police officer speaks on her radio as a flock of sheep pass through central Madrid, Spain. Image Credit: AP

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A heard of sheep enter central Madrid, Spain. Image Credit: AP

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A shepherd herds a flock of sheep through central Madrid, Spain. Image Credit: AP

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Flocks of sheep are herded in front of the city hall in Madrid. Image Credit: AP

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Flocks of sheep are herded in the city center of Madrid. Image Credit: AFP

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Flocks of sheep are herded in the city center of Madrid. Image Credit: AFP

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