Alípio Santos

Alípio Santos has stopped being a long-haul driver for many years but continues to drive to some extent. In this case, his flock of sheep, all of the same local breed: Black Bragançana Galician Churra (Churra Galician Sheep). And it is with an ear-to-ear smile that this transmontano well-groomed dark-skinned mustache assures us that, historically and among the churras, this was the “predominant animal in the region”. Was gaining prominence only because of the white variety of wool. “Before, when offering a lamb to someone was always black. Today they do the analysis first, to understand the quality of the meat,” he recalls. It's that the Bragança roast lamb, the ex-libris dish of many local restaurants, depends on the quality of meat. Of the 3000 animals of this species that exist in the region, Alipio has 115, which he keeps an eye out for whenever he withdraws from the stable. Plus: make sure they always have what to eat and drink. Why? “Because they are very clever and skillful, if not well treated, they climb the walls and leave. Yes, they will.”