Guided by their shepherds, the sheepdogs have to herd the sheep into pens placed there for the occasion.

The festival was originally held to pay homage to shepherds, men who lived in isolation for most of the year, on the day the flocks were brought down from the mountains. The formerly non-competitive event has evolved over the years and has recently become very popular, attracting a growing number of visitors and participants.

Mediaeval market held in Ripoll to commemorate the death of Count Guifré, founder of the Catalan nation, with festive events ranging from concerts, archery competitions, horse jousting, and dramatised visits around mediaeval Ripoll.