With a robust appearance and hands that show hard work, Josep Serra, who goes by Jan Pastor, reveals an unexpected sensitivity when speaking of his flock. After thirty years working as a bouncer in nightclubs like Athangia, Krono’s, Aigua, and Memphis, his true calling has always been that of a shepherd. Every day, he takes his 370 sheep from Viladordis to graze in the fields near Manresa, an activity that provides him with about 350 lambs annually.
“"If you invite me to the best restaurant, I'll tell you I prefer to stay here, calm with the sheep and dogs, eating my sandwich. There's nothing better."
Serra recalls his years as a bouncer, a job he describes as complicated, especially in the early days of Athangia and Krono’s, where conflicts were common. He highlights the shift in dispute resolution, from "slaps" to the current risk of lawsuits for any physical contact. Despite intense nights, he was always up early the next day to herd, sleeping only a few hours in winter and working straight through in summer.
The shepherd explains that every day he covers several kilometers with his flock through the villages surrounding Manresa. He adjusts his schedule according to the season, seeking shade and water in summer. He emphasizes the importance of constantly changing grazing locations, as sheep need fresh, untrodden grass. He also highlights his constant attention to the animals' diet, as, despite being gluttonous, they can ingest harmful herbs.
Serra's relationship with his sheep is deeply personal. He knows them one by one, some even by name, and considers them part of his family. "I suffer more for the sheep than for myself," he states, confessing that the illness or death of an animal deeply affects him. For him, his work is not just a business but a way of life that he values above any material luxury, finding happiness in the tranquility of the countryside with his animals and his seven sheepdogs.
