THIS weekend will see pet blessings by clergymen throughout Spain to rejoice the feast of San Anton- the patron saint of animals.
Although the feast day falls on a Friday this yr, particular person church buildings resolve whether or not to carry the ceremony on the day itself or on Saturday or Sunday.
Yearly on January 17, a crowd gathers on a road in Madrid’s trendy Chueca district outdoors the entrance door of the Church of San Anton.
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Some canines trot alongside on leads, whereas cats had been carried within the arms of their homeowners.
Many animals had been decked out in coats, jumpers or are sporting ribbons or neckerchiefs.
All of the canines and cats had been there for a dousing of holy water from the clergymen.
Calle Hortaleza was closed to visitors to make method for bigger four-legged animals which got here, as they did for Noah’s Ark, two by two.
Canine models of the police power introduced their working canines, whereas ceremonial guards rode in on their horses.
A mass was then held inside the church where the pets were welcomed.
People lined up outside to buy specially baked bread rolls for San Anton in packets of three, with one traditionally kept all year alongside a coin to bring health and prosperity.
The festival dates back to the 19th century and is celebrated in different ways across Spain including with a controversial ‘purification’ ceremony that sees horses ridden through flames.
