Costa Blanca News: Festival of Saint Anthony in Jalon Valley

Christian monk and hermit: The benediction of animals. CREDIT: Twitter

LLIBER is set to celebrate the Fiesta Sant Antoni Abat on January 12.
The festival will take place in Plaza Mayor, Lliber from 9:30 a.m. to five in the evening.
It will feature a parade through the town from 12 p.m. leading to the benediction of animals in the Plaza, where residents are invited to bring their pets. Food will be served in the parking area where tickets can be bought for one euro in exchange for paella.
Those attending can enjoy family fun with traditional games, music and an inflatable castle.
Sant Antoni Abat or Saint Anthony the Abbot a pious Christian monk and hermit. Legend has it that he was a great friend of animals and when he saw a wounded one he was known to care for and heal them. One story tells of a pig, who, to thank him, decided to accompany him the rest of his life; that is why he is popularly called Saint Anthony of the pig.
As a protector of farm animals, a large number of popular festivals are held in honour of the patron saint and these animals, in order to pray for their fertility and food that they bring to the community. In the past it was a key holiday in many towns, being the traditional winter festival.

Author badge placeholder
Written by

Damon Mitchell

From the interviewed to the interviewer

As frontman of a rock band Damon used to court the British press, now he lives the quiet life in Spain and seeks to get to the heart of the community, scoring exclusive interviews with ex-pats about their successes and struggles during their new life in the sun.

Originally from Scotland but based on the coast for the last three years, Damon strives to bring the most heartfelt news stories from the spanish costas to the Euro Weekly News.

Share your story with us by emailing newsdesk@euroweeklynews.com, by calling +34 951 38 61 61 or by messaging our Facebook page www.facebook.com/EuroWeeklyNews

Comments