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Festes de Sant Antoni, Balearics
Celebrating Sant Antoni's patron saint with style!
Spain, being predominantly Catholic, worships its saints devoutly. Every day of the year has a saints name associated with it and some are honoured with celebrations. January is a busy month, with Saint Anthony's day on 17th January and Saint Inés following shortly after, on 21st January.
The Sant Antoni celebrations in the Balearics are traditional festivities that take place in honour of Saint Anthony Abbot (Sant Antoni Abat), the patron saint of animals. The celebrations usually occur in the days around January 17th, which is the feast day of Sant Antoni.
The festivities include a variety of events and activities, often blending religious and cultural elements. Here are some common features of Sant Antoni celebrations.
One of the main highlights is the blessing of the animals. People bring their pets, livestock, and other animals to be blessed by the local priest. This is a symbolic act believed to ensure the health and well-being of the animals.
Bonfires and fireworks are a central part of the celebrations. People gather around bonfires in the streets and squares, where traditional music, dance, and food are enjoyed. It is common for locals to cook sobrassada (a traditional Balearic sausage) and other local specialties over the open flames.
Religious processions may take place, featuring statues of Saint Anthony Abbot and other religious figures. Participants often wear traditional clothing, and the processions are accompanied by music and prayers.
Some towns organise parades with traditional music, folk dances, and people dressed in traditional costumes. The parades can be lively and colourful, showcasing the local cultural heritage.
Folk music and traditional dances are integral to the Sant Antoni celebrations. Local musicians and dance groups often perform during the festivities. While some communities organise sports events and competitions as part of the celebrations. These may include horse races, traditional games, and contests.
It's important to note that specific activities and traditions may vary from one town or village to another. Sant Antoni celebrations are deeply rooted in Mallorcan culture, and they provide a great opportunity for locals and visitors to come together to celebrate their heritage and show respect for animals. If you plan to attend these festivities, it's advisable to check the local events schedule for the specific details of the celebrations in the area you're visiting.
Venue
Sant Antoni
History
Saint Anthony lived as a hermit from 251 to 356 and legend has it that he once cured a terminally ill black piglet. On the Sunday closest to the patron’s day, animals are blessed in Saint Anthony's name. The local priest will take up residence in a prominent square and its residents, many dressed in their traditional finery, parade their animals past him. He blesses each of them in turn, ensuring they have long and fruitful lives. Horses, donkeys, pigs and even domestic 'companions’ such as dogs, cats, birds and the occasional tortoise receive a sprinkling of the holy water. Mayhem often ensues as excited four legged and two legged beings mingle in the streets. Traditional musicians and beautifully decorated horse-drawn carts, often laden with children dispensing sweets and confetti, proceed along the streets lined with onlookers.
