Every year in the first weekend of July, the Rapa das Bestas de Sabucedo takes place. This is a traditional event where wild horses from the mountains are led to an arena in the village. In this arena the horses are controlled with bare hands to cut there manes and tails. The event takes place in different locations in Galicia. The most famous event is the Rapa das Bestas in the village of Sabucedo and attracts many visitors each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rapa das Bestas literally means ‘cutting of the beasts’. In the mountains of inland Galicia there live large herds of wild horses. Once a year, local men lead the horses from the mountains to arenas in the villages. The event starts on Saturday with the collection of the animals, which continues until the arena is completely filled with horses. Once the arena is filled the local men jump on to the horses to control them and finally to cut their manes and tails. The men in the arena, called aloitadores, may only use their physical strength and skill to get the horses on their knees. The reason for working with bare hands instead of using sticks and whips is that they see the horses as equals. If necessary, the animals also receive veterinary help in the arena.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The process of cutting the manes of a horse is as follows: Two men, the aloitadores, jump on the horse and embrace its head. Then, one of the men tries to climb on the horse while the other tries to calm it down. Once under control, they try to get the horse on its knees, and finally cut the mane and tail. All of this is done by hand and with teamwork between the locals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Young foals are separated from the herd. They are marked so that they can be recognized later. In the past, they were branded, but nowadays, this is done with microchips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After a few days, the horses are released again, and they move away from the crowds and form their herds again in the mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The following video gives a good overview of what happens during Rapa das Bestas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.galiciatips.com\/nl\/files\/2023\/05\/Rapa_das_Bestas2-1024x681.jpeg?resize=1024%2C681\")
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