Fiesta de San Antón

Traditional blessing of pets

Address:

Iglesia de San Antón - Hortaleza, 63
28004 - Chueca & Malasaña
Madrid

Nearest Bus or Train:

Chueca

Open Hours:

Midday (blessing), 5pm (procession)

Turn up at Church at midday on January 17 and you will witness an unusual religious tradition dating back to the 17th century. You will find a queue of people who have brought their domestic pets to be blessed by the priest. Later in the afternoon owners and pets parade several times round the church along with the statue of Saint Anthony, patron saint of animals. Traditional bread rolls are distributed as well, a popular custom that is meant to ensure that no one goes hungry in the coming year.

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