Timeless traditions

Portugal's modern-day farmers take a walk back through time

Sarah Eberspacher's avatar
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A shepherd holds a sheep from his flock, in Portugal.
A shepherd directs his flock through the small village of Sabugueiro.
(Image credit: (REUTERS/Rafael Marchante))

Shepherd Pedro Gomes removes traditional ornaments from a goat as the flock is herded to summer pastures.
(Image credit: (REUTERS/Rafael Marchante) The goats, sheep, and cattle are often decked out with bright balls of yarn, a vibrant addition to an already jumbled scene. The shepherds leading their charges are)

(REUTERS/Rafael Marchante) Many of the shepherds bring cell phones, in order to keep in touch with friends and family. But besides those few physical connections to the modern world, the men spend their summer living in a simpler time. Below, images of the traditional walk.

A shepherd places traditional bells on the grass, to be attached to the animals.
(Image credit: (REUTERS/Rafael Marchante))

A shepherd checks his mobile phone before going to sleep.
(Image credit: (REUTERS/Rafael Marchante))

(REUTERS/Rafael Marchante)

Shepherd Nuno Miguel, 34, holds a lamb from his flock.
(Image credit: (REUTERS/Rafael Marchante))

(REUTERS/Rafael Marchante)

(REUTERS/Rafael Marchante)

Sarah Eberspacher
Sarah Eberspacher

Sarah Eberspacher is an associate editor at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked as a sports reporter at The Livingston County Daily Press & Argus and The Arizona Republic. She graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.