A woolly parade: 2,000 sheep stroll down Madrid's streets in yearly tradition
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Spanish shepherds have led 2,000 sheep through the streets of Madrid in defense of age-old droving, grazing and migration rights that are increasingly threatened by urban sprawl and fenced-in pastures.
Tourists and children were surprised to see wide avenues blocked off in the Spanish capital to let the woolly parade — bleating loudly and clanking bells — cross the city, accompanied by sheepdogs.
Government agriculture spokesman Carlos Cabanas says the tradition is essential to "maintain native breeds that are in danger of extinction."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Shepherds have held the right since at least 1273 to use droving routes across land that used to be open fields before Madrid became a sprawling metropolis.
A shepherd handed over 150 maravedies — coins minted in the 11th century — to city officials for the crossing.