SAN ANTONIO CELEBRATED WITH THE BLESSING OF PETS
Monday 16th January 2012

Tuesday 17th January - the day of San Antonio - will see the blessing of domestic animals in the port, a couple of days after a similar occasion in the old town. The events will be organised by the Penya La Burrera and begin with a morning parade accompanied by traditional music through the streets of the port. Then, at midday, there will be a special mass at the parish church of Nuestra Señora de Loreto. The image of the saint will be accompanied by a small procession to the Paseo Almirante Basterreche where the  priest will bless the animals whilst their owners will invited to take some wine. Should the weather take a turn for the worst, the councillor of Fiestas has confirmed that the event will move to the cover of the indoor fish market.

In addition, there will be a short celebration at the APASA dog pound in Camí del les Sorts at about 12.30pm hen the priest will bless those who take abandoned dogs to the kennel after which the volunteers will sell local foods, sausages, coffee and cakes to raise funds for the animal shelter.

Although Tuesday 17th is the official day of San Antonio, celebrations had already taken place in the old town throughout the weekend, organised the El Tiraset equestrian activities club. On Saturday evening a symbolic pine was burned whilst Sunday saw a colourful parade of horses and carts which accompanied the image of the saint through the main streets of the old town and the port before hundreds of pets received a special blessing from Vicente Gilabert, the parish priest of San Bartolomé, in the Plaza de la Constitución.

Information Source: Press Release - Xàbia Ajuntament