The Shepherd's Festival is one of the most emblematic gatherings of an entire way of life. The celebration is an act of tribute to that united community that has broken the barriers of time.
High above the sky, at an altitude of over a thousand meters, in the inimitable setting of the renowned Lakes of Covadonga , a series of events unfolds, including the now-classic alpine race, " La Escala a la Porra de Enol" (The Ascent to the Porra de Enol) . This race trades the serene pace of other workdays for the frantic pace of a cross-country course with countless elevation changes and a race against the clock. Throughout the day, horses are ridden bareback , without any tack, and participants test their strength by tug-of-war in teams , along with a host of other masculine skills where muscle or technique prevails. Meanwhile, choirs and dance groups entertain the crowds, and a competition is held simultaneously showcasing unique pieces of pastoral craftsmanship.
Lakes of Covadonga
Climbing to the Lakes of Covadonga is an achievement, especially if you do it by bicycle. It's a 12-kilometer climb … Read more
The events begin early in the morning. After Mass at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, the Town Council and the Council of Shepherds meet in an open council to divide the mountain pastures of Covadonga equitably. The new Pasture Steward, responsible for ensuring compliance with traditional ordinances, is also elected by popular vote. It's not all celebration, however, as the shepherds often use the occasion to demand greater attention to their problems from the local and regional administrations, as well as from the Park authorities. In recent years, the dominant concern has been the wolf and the need to control its populations to protect livestock.
The celebrations and their associated events have been taking place since 1939 and have already been declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest . Beyond the festive appeal, we discover that this group of people has inherited a system of operation, its own governing bodies, and social customs for the benefit of the community, which always take precedence over individual interests.
The shepherds of the Picos de Europa received the Prince of Asturias Award for Exemplary People in 1994. His Highness highlighted on that occasion the dedication of these men and women, for whom the preservation of historical, cultural, and environmental heritage is paramount. Shepherding is one of the key elements in the beauty of the Asturian plains, as no one since ancient times has possessed greater knowledge or restraint in the care of these high lands. While carrying out their work, they respect the environment and keep it clean, in optimal natural condition so that it may perpetuate itself, just as their ancestors knew it. Today, many still make their living from livestock , which grazes in the valleys during the winter before being taken up to the mountain pastures between April and October. Since ancient times, the shepherds have been organized into sheepfolds , which are publicly owned and typically correspond to the villages of origin of the shepherds in the lower and mid-mountain regions.
Exemplary towns of Asturias
The Princess of Asturias Foundation awards this prize to the town, village, population center, space… Read more
The Pastor's Party is unparalleled in Asturias, and certainly it is the best showcase to know a way of life in which the environment is above all, as an unquestionable totem and with the taboos themselves that requires careful attention and affectionate towards nature.
Access to the Pastor's Party
On July 25, the Shepherd's Festival day, access will be free for all private vehicles; there will be no restrictions for either going up or coming down.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
