Shepherd's Festival
The work of sheep dogs in the steppes of the north of the island, is celebrated every year in Río Grande with the traditional Shepherd's Festival.
The development of sheep farming played a fundamental role in the growth of Tierra del Fuego. To highlight the importance of this activity, in 1975, local people organized the first "Fiesta del Ovejero" at the "El Roble" ranch, located 25 kilometers from the city of Río Grande. The goal was to celebrate the work of farmers and their faithful companions, the sheep dogs.
Traditionaly, ranchers have trained dogs to herd and drive the cattle, so this became an essential activity in the island. The recognition of this combined effort between humans and animals, in the harsh conditions of the southern steppe, was the reason why the Fiesta del Ovejero became an event of great importance for the northern part of the island.
The main activity consists of a sheep dog contest, which summons local and national participants to demonstrate their sheep herding skills. The rules are based on the contests held in Europe, and adapted to the characteristics of the Fuegian steppe. Each shepherd and his dogs must lead six sheep over a series of obstacles in a determined time. According to the time spent and the expertise demonstrated, a score is obtained to define the winner.
The community and visitors participate in the show, while enjoying a good lamb roasted "a la estaca" in the "Pedro Pechar" pasture of the "El Roble" ranch.
The Fiesta del Ovejero takes place the first weekend of March, and is already in its 50th edition. Due to its cultural and historical relevance, the Fiesta del Ovejero has been declared of Municipal, Provincial and Tourist Interest by the government of Tierra del Fuego.
Shepherd's Festival
The work of sheep dogs in the steppes of the north of the island, is celebrated every year in Río Grande with the traditional Shepherd's Festival.
The development of sheep farming played a fundamental role in the growth of Tierra del Fuego. To highlight the importance of this activity, in 1975, local people organized the first "Fiesta del Ovejero" at the "El Roble" ranch, located 25 kilometers from the city of Río Grande. The goal was to celebrate the work of farmers and their faithful companions, the sheep dogs.
Traditionaly, ranchers have trained dogs to herd and drive the cattle, so this became an essential activity in the island. The recognition of this combined effort between humans and animals, in the harsh conditions of the southern steppe, was the reason why the Fiesta del Ovejero became an event of great importance for the northern part of the island.
The main activity consists of a sheep dog contest, which summons local and national participants to demonstrate their sheep herding skills. The rules are based on the contests held in Europe, and adapted to the characteristics of the Fuegian steppe. Each shepherd and his dogs must lead six sheep over a series of obstacles in a determined time. According to the time spent and the expertise demonstrated, a score is obtained to define the winner.
The community and visitors participate in the show, while enjoying a good lamb roasted "a la estaca" in the "Pedro Pechar" pasture of the "El Roble" ranch.
The Fiesta del Ovejero takes place the first weekend of March, and is already in its 50th edition. Due to its cultural and historical relevance, the Fiesta del Ovejero has been declared of Municipal, Provincial and Tourist Interest by the government of Tierra del Fuego.
