The annual event, which started in 1994, allows shepherds to exercise their right to use traditional routes to herd their livestock from northern Spain to more southerly pastures for winter grazing.
A young shepherd herds a flock of sheep through central Madrid on Sunday, October 24, 2021.
Manu Fernandez/AP
The route would have taken them through quiet countryside a few centuries ago, but today sees them traverse the busy city.
“It’s marvellous. I come every year and this is the first year I’ve brought the children so it’s amazing,” said Graciela Gonzalez, 39.
The sheep walked to the sound of their jangling neck bells. Shepherds dressed in traditional dress accompanied their flocks with folk music and dancing.
A herd of sheep enters central Madrid on Sunday, October 24, 2021.
Manu Fernandez/AP
Children more used to seeing traffic jams on the city streets enjoyed the opportunity to get up close to the animals.
“We can sometimes touch them,” said Carmen Iglesias, eight, who was watching with her father and younger sister Noa, six.