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

Shepherds steered their flocks through the streets following ancient migration routes

Last updated: October 20, 2019 | 16:44

Compiled by Nathaniel Lacsina, Digital Content Producer

2 MIN READ

1/16

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

2/16

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.

3/16

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.

4/16

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.

5/16

The herd includes 2,000 merino sheep and 100 goats.

6/16

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

7/16

A heard of sheep enter central Madrid, Spain.

8/16

A shepherd herds a flock of sheep through central Madrid, Spain.

9/16

Flocks of sheep are herded in front of the city hall in Madrid.

10/16

Flocks of sheep are herded in the city center of Madrid.

11/16

Flocks of sheep are herded in the city center of Madrid.

12/16