Spain Rapa das Bestas

Monte Faro is one of the locations in Galicia where the traditional Rapa das Bestas takes place. Horses that live freely in the surrounding mountains are gathered and brought into a curro, a traditional enclosure where the animals are separated, handled and their manes and tails are cut.

For photographers, the most interesting part is the aloita: the physical encounter between the aloitadores and the horses. The horses are restrained using mainly the strength and weight of several people, creating intense scenes of movement, dust, gestures and interaction between humans and animals.

A fascinating but also controversial tradition. The images can easily look violent when isolated from their context, so it is worth watching the entire process before forming an opinion about what is happening.

A telephoto lens is particularly useful for isolating interactions inside the enclosure.

Photographic opportunities range from wide shots showing the density of the herd inside the enclosure to very close details: hands gripping manes, faces, muscles under tension, dust, horses protecting their foals and quieter moments between the more intense encounters.

The event attracts many spectators, so arriving early is highly recommended, both for parking and for finding a good photographic position around the curro.