A shepherd keeps up the ancient rite of guiding sheep across northern Spain

A fine cloud of dust drifts across the sun-drenched landscape. The tinkling of sheep bells floats in the air, announcing the movement of 1,000 sheep and some goats through an ancient Spanish transhumance — or livestock migration — route.

Over seven days, the flock is guided with skill by shepherd Ángel Mari Sanz, 62, keeping up a tradition dating back to the ninth century.

A shepherd keeps up the ancient rite of guiding sheep across northern Spain

 Angel Mari Sanz, 62, one of the last active sheep herders, walks close to his daughter Mireia, 14, as they drive their flock of sheep through the ancient Spanish transhumance route known as “La Cañada de The Roncaleses” (The Path of the Roncaleses) in Navarra province, in Vidangoz, Northern Spain, Thursday, June 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos)Taking rest

The flock will plod its way over the route, known as “La Cañada de The Roncaleses” (The Path of the Roncaleses). They will pass through the arid lands of Las Bardenas Reales area in the northern region of Navarra and arrive in the cooler, greener valleys and mountains of the Pyrenees.

Source: AP