In mid-October 2025, Madrid will transform for several days into a true pastoral capital. From October 17 to 19, the city will host the thirty-second edition of the Fiesta de la Trashumancia. This event has long been an integral part of Madrid’s autumn life, when thousands of sheep and their shepherds bring back the atmosphere of ancient traditions to the city.
The main celebration will unfold on Sunday, October 19. Early in the morning, the flock will set off from Puente del Rey in Casa de Campo and follow a familiar route: along Avenida Virgen del Puerto, through Parque de Atenas and Cuesta de la Vega, then onto Calle Mayor, reaching all the way to Puerta del Sol. The procession will then continue along Calle de Alcalá and finish its journey at Plaza de Cibeles. Here, a symbolic ceremony will take place for the handing over of maravedis—ancient coins that recall historic shepherds’ rights and the connection between the city and the countryside.
After a short pause and a ceremonial moment, the sheep will begin their return to Casa de Campo along the same route. The parade will continue until two in the afternoon, as Madrid’s streets once again fill with the unusual sound of bells and a sea of wool. Every year, this spectacle draws crowds of onlookers and has become a true symbol of autumn.
The celebration is not limited to the parade. Over three days, the Casa de Campo Eco Center will host free workshops, tours, and screenings for the whole family. On Friday, October 17, participants can join a walk with shepherds and learn more about the traditions of nomadic herding. That same day, there will be an online seminar on the national network of livestock trails.
On Saturday, October 18, guests can look forward to spinning and felting wool workshops, interactive activities for children and adults, as well as discussions about the role of sheep’s wool in the rural economy. Sunday will begin with a documentary and discussion about women shepherds, and conclude with a musical program featuring traditional instruments.
Fiesta de la Trashumancia was established in 1994, when Spain passed a law granting livestock trails the status of public heritage. Since then, Madrid has hosted this event annually to highlight the importance of shepherding for the preservation of nature and biodiversity.
The organizers are the Asociación Trashumancia y Naturaleza, supported by local authorities, the WWF/Adena Foundation, and other partners. All events are free and designed for families. Some activities require prior registration.
