Geese to march in Spanish festivals

MADRID, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- A Spanish family of goose trainers will lead about 150 of the birds, decked out in Christmas ornaments, in Three Kings' festival parades in four cities.

Jose Miguel Espinosa, who has been training geese for the holiday events for 20 years, said his birds, which also wear handcrafted collars, march in single file, backward and forward, slowly and quickly. They are trained, he said, "not to get scared by fireworks, people shouting or camera flashes."

The dandy ganders will take part in Thursday's processions in Madrid, Toledo, Santander and Palencia, ThinkSpain reported.

Besides Palencia's festival, Espinosa said he will lead a "troop" of geese in Madrid, while his son, David, will guide dozens of the birds in Toledo and his daughter, Juncal, will lead a flock in Santander.