Around 3,000 people attended the XIV Feria de la Mula in Arenas yesterday, a festival aimed at trying to promote the conservation of this endangered animal.
As time passes, farms and farmwork have become more mechanised and the mule, a traditional part of agricultural life, has gone from being a vital component to an expensive whim or fad for fans. Nowadays, a good, well-trained dressage mule can cost as much as €12,000 to €15,000.
Nearly 150 mules and donkeys from all over the Axarquia congregated in Arenas for the celebrations.