Transhumance – the traditional migration of livestock – in which shepherds move herds along a huge network of tracks known as the cañadas, has existed in Spain for hundreds of years. It has played a vital social, economic and environmental role in the country’s history, but now the tradition is struggling to stay alive.
I am to accompany Lionel Martorell, one of Spain’s last transhumants, who will be herding his cattle from his mountainous home to the lowlands in search of milder climes and better pastures. When I arrive at his village, Fortanete, in the Maestrazgo region, an old villager tells ...
There are approximately 1073 more words in this article.
To read the rest of this article, please buy this issue, or join the Resurgence Trust. As a member you will receive access to the complete archive of magazines from May 1966.
If you are already a member, please Sign in
