Shepherd's Feast

A common feature of most Asturian festivals is the beauty and friendliness of the landscape and human environment. The truth is that the Fiesta del Pastor in La Vega (Lake Enol), in the council of Cangas de Onís, is a clear example of a spectacular setting, because it is held in one of the heartlands par excellence of the Picos de Europa National Park, which is also a Biosphere Reserve.

The Covadonga Lakes are one of the best known places in the Park, due in large part to the great cycling exploits that have taken place there and which have been televised to the whole world. On this occasion, the tribute is dedicated to the Shepherds of Picos de Europa, a group that was once the Exemplary People of Asturias.

This festival is always held on 25 July each year, and begins with a country mass in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd. This is followed by a meeting of the Shepherds' Council, for the equitable distribution of pastures and the election of the Ruler. And then rural sports, crafts, bagpipe music, festivities, finger-licking gastronomy with a good Cabrales or Gamonéu cheese, and the highlight of the day is the climb to the Porra de Enol.

A unique day for an immersion in Picos de Europa and its shepherding culture. As if that were not enough, the night of the 24th is the only night of the year when free camping is allowed.