Every autumn, visitors and residents of Madrid alike can enjoy a rural spectacle right in the centre of town with La Fiesta de la Trashumancia.
In this ancient festival, forgotten for many years but resurrected in 1993, shepherds move their flocks to warmer pastures for the winter, and over 1,000 sheep, along with some goats and oxen, crowd through the streets of the capital. They are accompanied by dancers and musicians, colourfully clothed in regional dress. The participants are all shepherds and their families and come from far and wide to celebrate their traditions and way of life. The incongruity of livestock trotting through modern Madrid is thrilling and unique.
The route comes up Calle Mayor from the Casa del Campo, through Sol, along Calle Alcalá to Cibeles, and then back round the way it came — as the procession comes full circle, if you miss it going up, you can catch it coming down. Place yourself anywhere on this route to catch all the action — I usually get myself a coffee, then wait around Plaza De la Villa on Calle Mayor. Once the procession has passed, you can either follow it, or find a bar, have some vermut and tapas, and wait for everyone to come back again!
This year it is taking place on Sunday, October 19. Times are approximate. As I found out the first year I went, the sheep left Sol a full hour before the programmed time of 11:00, so the top tip — get there early!
Plaza Puerta del Sol
€
free
Find your way with 266 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot? And love your city? Join your local team. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
The apartment block this cafe sits under is an ugly beauty and I love it, not least for the exuberant planters that are an integral part of the building.
by
Although it’s a Galician restaurant, they do an excellent paella mixta (chicken and seafood) and arroz negro, flavoured and coloured with squid ink.
by
I didn’t think Madrid was lacking anything but now I’ve found "Mazál Bagels and Café" I’m wondering how I survived without its bagels all these years!
by
What sets this bar apart is its exceptional handling of ingredients, creating dishes that sing with Andalusian flair—a nod to Manu's roots.
by
They have a wide selection of wines to suit all pockets, and you can also discover some weirder flavours if your tastes run to the unique...
by
"Mo de Movimiento" in Madrid offers a new take on the restaurant business - sustainable organic ingredients, recycled materials and second opportunities!
by
Sala Canal Isabel II in Madrid used to be a water tower: now it's an uber-cool gallery used for media exhibitions. I love it, and not just because...
by
VETA is the biggest contemporary art gallery in the city, so once you’ve had your fill of the Old Masters at the Prado, why not get off the beaten track?
by
Don’t worry about collecting and counting plates - there’s an “all you can eat” lunchtime menu, you can fill your boots for a very reasonable fixed price.
by
His favourite time seemed to be that magic hour when the sun is sinking low in the West and turns everything a golden pinky hue.
by
Each covered market has its own flavour; Chamberí I would say is high quality and traditional but also one that has adapted successfully to the times.
by
"Konnichiwa" is a Japanese street food restaurant in Madrid. Their specialty is the ramen with the egg, which they cook with a blowtorch at your table!
by
266 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 266 Insider Tips