“Rapa das Bestas” literally translates to “shearing of the beasts”. An event where the wild horses living in the mountains of Galicia come down to the villages.
Rapa isn’t a show for the faint of heart; it’s a centuries-old tradition rooted in the practical needs of rural life, and a thrilling display of strength, skill, and respect for nature. It’s a vital part of managing the wild horse population, preventing disease, and ensuring their well-being.
But beyond its practical purpose, Rapa das Bestas is a vibrant event whose dramatic visuals and deep cultural resonance have made it a compelling subject for filmmakers and storytellers. Often as a powerful backdrop or a metaphor for untamed spirit and deep roots.
Galician wild horses and Rapa in movies and tv series
Whether you are wondering why travel to Galicia’s Rapa event, looking for inspiration for your next trip to Galicia with us, or just looking to understand the tradition and get a deeper connection with our homeland, here are some must-see movies and tv series around it:
As Bestas – The Beasts
Movie Film 2022
9 Goya awards, including Best Film | César Best Foreign Film | Tokyo International Film Festival Grand Prix Winner | Chicago International Film Festival Best Ensemble Cast Performance | SSIF Audience Award for Best European Film
This award winning film is a tense thriller that uses the event of Rapa as a metaphor to narrate a complex story of land ownership, community and nature protection.
Its images of wild horses and horse shearing are real footage from the Rapa of Sabucedo, one of the most famous rapa events.
Check it out at
And other movie providers and cinemas.
Rapa
TV Series, 2022-2024
This Spanish crime thriller series, is literally named after the tradition.
The series begins during the Rapa in a village up in the north of Galicia. While the local community is together for the event, the town’s mayoress is murdered.
Why watch it: entertaining whodunnit with beautiful scenes with stunning and authentic footage of this specific Rapa up north in the area between Ribadeo and Ferrol.
Check it out at
Unfortunately, no subtitles are available at the moment.
Rapa, Gente al Monte
Documentary 2024
A very interesting documentary filmed in Sabucedo village around the importance of the community in this tradition and the challenges that wild horse breeding (and horses) faces today.
A powerful way to connect with this unique tradition through the views and stories of the people who run one of the best known rapa events in Galicia.
Check it out at Movistar+
It is not the only documentary filmed of this specific Rapa event. The Cannes Festival 2025 hosted an immersive documentary of Rapa (Fillos do Vento: A Rapa) at its immersive competition.
Rapa is a living, breathing testament to a way of life, a bridge between the past and the present. It’s a reminder of the wild heart that still beats strong in Galicia, and a truly inspiring spectacle for anyone who appreciates the raw beauty of nature and the enduring spirit of tradition.
Be part of it,
join one of our expeditions
CURRO: Oia Equine Experience
Join a family of horse breeders to learn about the traditions of ownership and protection of wild galician horses.
WHEN: First and third weekend of June, every year. Maximum one group per date.
IDEAL LENGTH: 4 days and 3 nights
PRICE: from 2.900€ pp excluding flights (based on 2 people sharing)
RAPA: Join the Sabucedo Expedition
Deep dive into one of the wildest and oldest traditions of Europe around horses
WHEN: First weekend of July every year. Limited to one group per year.
IDEAL LENGTH: 4 days and 3 nights
PRICE: from 2.200€ pp excluding flights (based on 2 people sharing)
