The "Rapa das bestas" (Shearing fair) has its origin in a terrible plague, which affected the region on the 16th Century. At that time, two sisters offered two "bestas" (horses) up to St Lourenço, the Sabucedo's patron and saint with a great devotion in order to defend them from the plague. After the plague, the two sisters kept their promise giving to the priest the horses, which with the passing days had been multiplying in the mountains around. One century later the town began getting profits from the horses, so fair began!!
Today more than 600 horses, divided into 14 herds, running free in a more than 200 km2. space
Children start guided by the veterans in a very young age just with little horses.
Although they share with visitors some aspects of the organisation, such as looking for the Bestas in the mountains, they are the only ones allowed to be aloitadores (fighters), as it is a difficult task, which requires a knoledge. The fighters only with the help of their ability and of the force of their arms join a noble and singular battle with horse so as to shear it (their patron St. Lourenço protect them from eventual injuries...)
Sabucedo is 15min away from Estrada, it belongs to Estrada. The sharing fair is celebrated on the first weekend of July always. It's nice to camp the hold weekend on the montains and participate on the celebration.
CHECK SABUCEDO PAGE FOR MOR INFO AND PICTURES!!!
Leave a Comment
email me
add as friend
on Aug 18, 2004
Comments for trotador about Estrada