The Shearing of the Beasts as the English call it, is an ancient Spanish tradition that involves a lot of courage and a little madness. During three hot July days the men and women of Sabucedo village gather the horses that roam the surrounding hillside into a sort of enclosed arena and then try to immobilize them with their bare hands. It’s kind of s cruel, barbaric ritual but that’s understandable since the Shearing of the Beasts is 400 years old. After the horses have been taken down, their tales are choped off and they are branded.

The Shearing of the Beasts is one of the most popular Spanish traditions celebrated with lots of fun and sangria

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