For years, Hispanic Day Paradecelebrated every year on October 12, has an obvious protagonist. And all eyes are always on the famous mascot of the Spanish Legion, the goat, which has become the emblem of this army corps.
Although this animal has been performing its role for years and marching alongside military forces, the truth is that very few people truly know the story of how this animal came to occupy this important position. But why is the goat there Legion symbol and appears in the National Day parade with the Armed Forces?
Why is the goat the Legion mascot?
THE official mascot of the Spanish Legion is actually a ram, although in many parades in which he has appeared he has been a goat responsible for embodying this role and marching alongside the legionnaires every October 12.
However, the origin of this tradition dates back long before this military procession began to occur. This whole story began back when troops were accompanied by livestock to ensure the supply of basic necessities. Thus, these soldiers could feed on the meat and milk of these goats in the most difficult times.
Although it was used as a means of subsistence, the military ended up becoming fond of the animal on numerous occasions, which made it, beyond its role as food, a true companion of the unit. Many of them ended up being pardoned, and over time the goat eventually became the Legion’s official mascot and paraded alongside recruits in the armed forces parade.
The Legion’s Most Exotic Pets
However, this animal is not the only one to become the Legion’s mascot. Indeed, since its origins, this brigade has had many associated animalsas it was common for expeditionary and colonial forces to select them from the native wildlife of their deployment areas.
Among the most exotic, the Legion had monkeys, common in the Ceuta region; the Sahara gazelle; you ruin parrots; wild boars and even a bear. However, the ram has become most common and best known for its annual October 12 stroll.
So some of them like Pepe, the deceased ’emeritus’ goat of the Legion, or Miura, one of the protagonists of the last parades, have gained importance and become authentic icons that walk the streets every year on Hispanic Heritage Day.
