MADRID (AP) — Spanish shepherds led a flock of more than 2,000 sheep through central Madrid on Sunday in defense of ancient grazing, migration and droving rights threatened by urban sprawl and modern agricultural practices.
Many tourists and residents were surprised to see traffic cut to allow the ovine parade to bleat its way across some of Madrid’s most upscale urban streets.
Every year, a handful of shepherds defend the right and on Sunday paid 25 maravedis to city hall to use the crossing.
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Shepherds lead their sheep through the centre of Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012. Spanish shepherds led flocks of sheep through the streets of downtown Madrid in defense of ancient grazing, migration and droving rights threatened by urban sprawl and man-made frontiers. The rights to droving routes have existed since before Madrid grew from a rural hamlet to the great capital it is today. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)
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Shepherds lead their sheep through the centre of Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012. Spanish shepherds led flocks of sheep through the streets of downtown Madrid in defense of ancient grazing, migration and droving rights threatened by urban sprawl and man-made frontiers. The rights to droving routes have existed since before Madrid grew from a rural hamlet to the great capital it is today. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)
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Shepherds lead their sheep through the centre of Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012. Spanish shepherds led flocks of sheep through the streets of downtown Madrid in defense of ancient grazing, migration and droving rights threatened by urban sprawl and man-made frontiers. The rights to droving routes have existed since before Madrid grew from a rural hamlet to the great capital it is today. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)
