Farmers guide thousands of sheeps through the city of Madrid on October 20 in an activity to preserve ancient cattle grazing practices.

The annual event, which began in 1994, allows shepherds to use the ancient traditional routes of bringing their cattle from northern Spain to the southern pastures to graze in the winter. .

This route a few centuries ago took them through undeveloped rural areas but today, it cuts through the heart of the bustling capital of Spain. The herd of the parade consists of about 2,000 native Merino sheep and 100 goats.

Traditionally, farmers paid 50 Maravedis - the first minted coin in the eleventh century - for every 1,000 sheep so the authorities allowed them to lead their cattle through the neighborhoods. Currently, shepherds also pay a symbolic small fee.