“Annual Blessing of Animals Takes Place in Plaza de San Vicente, Ávila”
Young and old alike gathered at the Plaza de San Vicente in Ávila on Sunday to take part in the annual blessing of animals in honor of San Antón, the patron saint of animals. The event, organized by the Friends of the Horse of Ávila Equestrian Association in collaboration with the Ávila City Council and other companies, saw pets of all kinds coming out to receive the Saint’s blessing and seek protection, health, well-being, and love.
Eleven-year-old Alejandro arrived at the plaza with two of his hamsters, Cerveza and Papa, and his dog Luna, continuing a tradition he has upheld since he was little. Belén, Sandra, and Amanda were also present with their 15-year-old dog Xena, well-wrapped in a frog sweatshirt to keep her warm. The day, despite starting with a night frost, turned out to be splendid, with a radiant sun shining down on the festivities.
As the day unfolded, many dogs of various breeds, sizes, and colors were seen, along with cats, hamsters, turtles, and even birds, all awaiting the Saint’s blessing. The parish priest of San Vicente, Fernando Gutiérrez, led the blessing, which also included a procession of nearly a hundred horses, followed by horse-drawn carriages and carts pulled by oxen, capturing the attention of the gathered crowd.
Pepe Vázquez Parada, one of the founders of the event, noted that the tradition, which was revived in 1994, is a labor of love, with all expenses being covered by the association. However, he expressed concern about the potential impact of the new animal welfare law, predicting a decline in participation in the coming years.
The event saw a high turnout of animals, with pets numbering in the hundreds, ranging from newcomers experiencing the blessing for the first time to animals that have become veterans of the annual event. The gathering also saw a special announcement of a pet baptism, as well as the presence of various pets with their devoted owners.
Overall, the annual blessing of animals in the Plaza de San Vicente in Ávila was a heartwarming celebration of the bond between humans and their cherished animal companions, as well as a demonstration of the community’s commitment to upholding this beloved tradition.