Saca de las Yeguas

The saca de las yeguas is a century old tradition celebrated in Almonte every July 26, coinciding with the Fair of San Pedro, the patron celebration and old cattle fair.

In the days leading up to this celebration, the people of Almonte go off into the marshes to collect the mares and foals that graze throughout the year in different areas of Doñana and herd them together. On the morning of the 26th, the group runs through the streets of the village of El Rocío, up to the chapel, where they are blessed by the priest. At this time, the Association of Marsh Cattle gives a foal to the Virgen del Rocio and continues on its way out of the village, heading towards Almonte.

Once they have arrived there, the animals are locked up for cleaning (known as tuza) and foals are fitted for future sale. Animals that are not sold but already prepared are returned to the marsh.