The enchanting sound of sheep's bells is a familiar melody for those familiar with the province of Granada. In Andalusia, there are still a few places where real shepherds move their flocks using age-old methods.
Jorge Gallegos, the last of these nomad shepherds in the Alpujarras, explains that the area's altitude is ideal for sheep, but the winter cold forces him to move them to the coast. With the arrival of spring, the flock begins its journey back to the high sierras.
Transhumance, the technical term for this seasonal movement, was practiced centuries ago by dozens of shepherds in Granada, Almería, and Málaga. The region's terrain, with its proximity of mountains and beaches, favors this method.
“"It's like having 1,200 children and having to make sure they are alright."
Jorge Gallegos González, originally from Bubión in Sierra Nevada National Park, spends most of his time on the hillside, tending to his flock. He is accompanied by a sheepdog and two mules to carry provisions, spending weeks in the open air.
At 24 years old, Jorge has been fully dedicated to this profession for a decade, inherited from his grandfather, known as ‘El Platilla’. Despite the inherent loneliness of the job, he highlights his connection with nature as his main reward.
This year, a team from the University of Granada, including anthropologists and experts in medieval farming methods, is accompanying Jorge on his move. Professor of Human Geography, Jose Luis Serrano, emphasizes the importance of learning from this practice.
The journey, covering over 100 kilometers and undertaken in six stages, will culminate in the Sierra Nevada. All of Andalusia is crisscrossed by ancient droving trails, such as cañadas, cordeles, and caminos reales, whose construction is protected by law.
Livestock breeding is fundamental to Jorge's work; he manages a hundred rams for reproduction, from which up to 1,500 lambs are born annually.
Two modern aspects would surprise his grandfather: a police escort through built-up areas to ensure the flock's safety, and an annual transhumance festival held in the heart of Madrid to raise awareness of this ancient practice.
