Rapa da folla Santiago is a traditional festival that has been celebrated for centuries in the city of Santiago de Compostela, Spain. This festival, also known as the "Shearing of the Flock," is a time-honored celebration of the end of the winter season and the beginning of spring.. The origin of Rapa da folla Santiago can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it was a common practice for shepherds to shear their sheep before they were sent to the mountains for grazing. This shearing was not only a way to prepare the sheep for the warmer months but also a way for the shepherds to pay their taxes to the church. As time went on, this practice evolved into a festival that was celebrated by the entire community.
The festival takes place on the outskirts of the city, in the fields of Monte do Gozo. The day before the festival, the shepherds gather their flocks and bring them to the designated area. The sheep are adorned with ribbons and flowers, and the shepherds dress in traditional costumes for the occasion.. The highlight of the festival is the shearing of the sheep. The shepherds, armed with their razor-sharp shears, skillfully remove the wool from the sheep in a matter of minutes. This task requires precision and speed, and the shepherds take great pride in their ability to shear the sheep without causing any harm. The wool is then collected and sold to textile companies for further processing.
But Rapa da folla Santiago is not just about shearing sheep
It is a lively and colorful celebration that involves music, dance, and food
Local musicians play traditional Galician music, and people of all ages join in the dancing, creating a festive atmosphere. The smell of traditional Galician food fills the air, and vendors sell local delicacies such as empanadas, churros, and pulpo (octopus).. Another important aspect of the festival is the blessing of the sheep. After the shearing is complete, the shepherds lead their flocks to the chapel of San Lázaro, where a priest blesses the sheep and wishes them good health and a fruitful year.. Rapa da folla Santiago is not only a celebration of the end of winter and the beginning of spring, but it also holds a deeper meaning for the people of Santiago de Compostela. The festival symbolizes the strong connection between the people and the land, as well as the importance of traditional practices and customs.. In recent years, Rapa da folla Santiago has gained popularity among tourists, who come from all over the world to witness this unique and authentic celebration
The festival has also been recognized as a part of Galician cultural heritage and has been declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest by the Spanish government.. In conclusion, Rapa da folla Santiago is a vibrant and joyous festival that represents the rich cultural heritage of Santiago de Compostela..
