Rapa Ceremony (horse shearing)
Spectators watch the dramatic horse-gathering and skillful shearing; then local music and communal celebrations at night
Sabucedo Wild Horse Shearing Festival
Rapa das Bestas de Sabucedo
La Estrada, Spain
Jul 2 - 5, 2026Expected
Each summer, the Galician village of Sabucedo holds the Rapa das Bestas, a centuries-old rite in which villagers drive wild horses down from the mountains into a stone corral. There, bare-handed, they wrestle each animal to cut its mane and tail, in a wild, ancient festival of strength and old pastoral tradition.
Key moments
Where it happens
Praza do Concello
La Estrada, Spain
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Plan the timing
Sturdy boots
Read the local rhythm
Long trousers
Keep the visit respectful
Stand safely back during the horse round-up; avoid interfering with horse handlers.
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: high.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaMAJOR COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Sabucedo Wild Horse Shearing Festival
Rapa das Bestas de Sabucedo
La Estrada, Spain
Each summer, the Galician village of Sabucedo holds the Rapa das Bestas, a centuries-old rite in which villagers drive wild horses down from the mountains into a stone corral. There, bare-handed, they wrestle each animal to cut its mane and tail, in a wild, ancient festival of strength and old pastoral tradition.
AnchorCultural anchor
Jul 2 - 5, 2026Expected dates
Verified this year
Saved locally on this device. A free account keeps your shortlist across devices.
The story behind it
This rural festival has its roots in an old Galician pastoral tradition of controlling wild horse herds for communal benefit. Men of Sabucedo still gather at dawn to round up the horses, reflecting historic agrarian and Celtiberian heritage of horse culture in Galicia. The shearings are part of a cycle of events with deep significance to the local community.
Key moments to know
Rapa Ceremony (horse shearing)
Spectators watch the dramatic horse-gathering and skillful shearing; then local music and communal celebrations at night
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Plan the timing
Sturdy boots
Read the local rhythm
Long trousers
Keep the visit respectful
Stand safely back during the horse round-up; avoid interfering with horse handlers.
Respect local boundaries
Respect the space around horses; keep a safe distance during the shearing.
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Jul 2 - 5, 2026
Estimated
City / Area
La Estrada
Galicia (Pontevedra province)
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
If you go, go with confidence.
Save this celebration to keep the date correct, get planning guidance, follow key moment updates, and build your trip around what matters.
Plan with confidence
Get your Attendance Blueprint
Travel solo with ease
Find tips and support that make it simple
Stay date-correct
We'll watch the date so you don't have to