Look: Sheep flock to Madrid's streets on ancient herding route

The annual event was revived in 1994 as part of Madrid's annual Fiesta de la Trashumancia

Last updated: October 23, 2023 | 10:39

Compiled by Christian Borbon, Senior Web Editor and Reuters

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Madrid: Bleeting sheep replaced beeping cars on Madrid's streets on Sunday, as shepherds guided their flocks through the city centre following ancient herding routes to southerly pastures for the winter.

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People watch a flock of sheep at Cibeles square during the annual parade on the streets of Madrid.

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The annual event was revived in 1994 as part of Madrid's annual Fiesta de la Trashumancia, after the Spanish parliament recognised the traditional routes used to herd livestock.

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People watch a flock of sheep during the annual parade on the streets of Madrid.

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A flock of sheep walk by during the annual parade on the streets of Madrid.

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Once they passed through quiet countryside, but on Sunday the shepherds, many of whom wore traditional dress, had to cross some of the busiest areas of the city, including the Puerta del Sol, one of Madrid's main squares.

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A flock of sheep is herded during the annual parade on the streets of Madrid.

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A flock of sheep is herded during the annual parade on the streets of Madrid.

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Locals and tourists lined the way, snapping pictures of the sheep that wore tinkling bells around their necks. "I really didn't expect this in the city, in the capital.

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People use their phones to record a flock of sheep during the annual parade on the streets of Madrid.

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A woman caresses sheep during the annual parade on the streets of Madrid.

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This reminds me of my village," said student Ana Sar, from Mallorca. "It's amazing," said Sandra Van Arkelem, 57, from the Netherlands "So many people are joining and enjoying it".

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