1,200 merino sheep and 200 red goats cross the center of Madrid at the XXIX Transhumance Festival

Sheep in the center of MadridEuropa PressThe shepherds have demanded the improvement of the cattle routes and the support for transhumant grazing, a priority to generate employment in rural areasThe flock has crossed the Plaza Mayor for the first time, due to the works in the Puerta del SolEl Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida, along with other members of the Corporation, have received the shepherds Some 1,200 merino sheep and 200 red goats from the herd of the Council of the Mesta, accompanied by their shepherds, have passed through the center of the capital this Sunday to demand the improvement of livestock trails and support for transhumant grazing, a priority to generate employment in rural areas, control forest fires and achieve sustainable development of the entire national territory and its adaptation to climate change. It is an image traditional in Madrid at this time, but this year, for the first time, the cattle have crossed the Plaza Mayor to continue through the roundabouts of Santa Cruz and Jacinto Benavente through Calle de la Cruz to Plaza de Canalejas and Calle de Sevilla and Alcalá. The change of itinerary was due to the works in the Puerta del Sol. The herd arrived in Madrid on Friday from the Mesta Council, and settled in the Casa de Campo after passing through the Puerta del Arroyo Meaques. There he has spent the weekend in the livestock area of ​​Valdeza, where he has starred in various educational activities related to transhumant grazing. This Sunday representatives of the ranchers with native breeds, as well as popular culture groups from from various Spanish regions linked by cattle trails. This event not only celebrates the pastoral culture but also calls for more aid for the survival of the rural world, essential for the protection of biodiversity and the mitigation of forest fires. This Sunday has also celebrated a twinning with the muleteers of the Argentine province of Mendoza who practice transhumance with large herds of goats in the Andes mountains. One more year the sheep walk through the streets of the center of Madrid to celebrate the Transhumance. Madrid values ​​and appreciates the essential work of livestock and the Spanish countryside. pic.twitter.com/6bJykiR6Hs— José Luis Martínez-Almeida (@AlmeidaPP_) October 23, 2022 The mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, along with other members of the Corporation, welcomed the shepherds at noon , foremen, rabadanes and ranchers and has received the ’50 maravedís per thousand’ that includes the Agreement of 1418 between the Good Men and Women of the Mesta and the attorneys of the Town Council. This is the price that the shepherds had to pay to the authorities for making use of the cattle trails and crossing their borders.