Herding sheep replaced car horns in central Madrid, for a ritual that follows the ancient route of the flocks.
The annual event, recognized by the Spanish parliament in 1994 and part of Madrid’s Fiesta de la Trashumancia, allows herders to use the traditional routes of the cattle, headed for the southern pastures during the winter.
A few centuries ago, the route would have led them through quiet fields in the countryside, but today, it crosses some of the most populated areas of the city, including the famous Puerta del Sol square.
Enthusiastic spectators watched shepherds dressed in traditional costumes and wooden clogs calmly lead their flocks among the city’s main attractions and throngs of people.