San Antonio: Last year’s Fiesta at La Ermita in Villajoyosa Photo courtesy of Villajoyosa City Hall
In memory of San Antonio, animals are celebrated across Spain on or near January 17th. San Antonio is probably better known to English speakers as St. Anthony the Abbot.
San Antonio was from Egypt and, according to legend, donated all his possessions to the poor and spent a long time in the desert. It is believed that he took only animals with him here, and is now considered the patron saint of animals.
Originally the blessing was focused on domestic animals, but now the custom has been extended to pets, and as usual, owners take their pets to the local church.
This also includes Villajoyosa, but since the church in this suburban district is dedicated to San Antonio, the Ermita district will have a double celebration on January 20th and 21st.
The highlight of the festival will begin at 1pm on January 21st with a procession of horse-drawn carriages and carts pulled by horse-drawn horses and donkeys through the local streets, where participants will be offered traditional anise-flavored Lore de San Antoni pastry to the general public. I will distribute it to
Once the line ends, hot chocolate provided by Villajoyosa chocolatier Valor and equally traditional pumpkin fritters will be on sale.
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