As the New Year begins and the Three Kings have completed their parade for another year, Spain continues to find things to celebrate. If you become a Hamiltons of London franchisee it is important to inspire your clients with local knowledge and traditions not just give advice about buying and selling houses in your area. This is part and parcel of the Hamiltons belief in providing outstanding customer service. In January every town, village and city in Spain hosts one of the country’s most wonderful traditions with the Blessing of the Animals. This festival is a result of hundreds of years of faith and folklore and is held in honour of St Anthony Abbot the patron saint of animals and provides an occasion to show the deep connection between peoples and the animals who share their lives.
St. Anthony Abbot
This highly respected Saint was also known as St. Anthony the Great and was a monk in Egypt during the 3rd century who spent his life praying alone and caring for the poor. As the years have passed he has become linked with the protection of animals in particular livestock who provide the livelihood of rural areas of Spain. Prior to industrialisation and tourism this would have been important to everyone in the country. St Anthony’s feast day is 17th January, and farmers and families begun to seek blessings for the health and give thanks for their animals. Farming and keeping livestock have been important to life in Spain for a long time and so the people’s devotion to St Anthony grew with churches, hermitages, monasteries and convents being named for him. Today his feast day is one of the most cherished winter festivals.
A National Celebration
The Blessing of the Animals in Spain in several ways by people throughout the country whether they live in a large city or a tiny village. The area around the St Antón’s Church in Madrid begins to fill with people and their pets from early morning to wait for the priest to bless their furry and feathered friends. Villages and smaller towns hold a more culturally traditional celebration with farmers bring donkeys, sheep, goats, and oxen to be blessed by the parish priest in the church square. In some towns that have grown you will see a mix of both working animals, livestock and pets awaiting their blessing. Church bells are rung and the stars of the day, the animals, are dressed in ribbons and flowers. St Anthony celebrations are joyful and bring communities together and throughout the country you will hear a mix of laughter and a cacophony of animal chatter. Many communities in Spain have now got many international residents who have adopted animals here so Hamiltons franchisees should ensure that those who buy a home with them in Spain are aware that they are also welcome to bring their pet to be blessed during the festival of St Anthony.
Food, Festivity and Fire
The animal blessings are just one part of the St Anthony celebrations with the day coinciding with ancient pagan traditions mixing Christian devotion and lively winter festivities. In many towns bonfires are built and lit for the community gathers round to sing, dance and share food and wine until late into the night. The focus in many places is on sharing food as a community and in Mallorca Sant Antoni is one of the islands largest fiestas. Here you will see parades, hear music and enjoy local delicacies including sobrassada which is a cured sausage from the Balearic Islands and another sausage known to the islands botafarró. Towns in the mainland region of Catalonia host a procession known as the tres tombs (three rounds) where the church is circled three times for horses either led, ridden or drawing carriages to receive blessings. Each area of Spain adds their own unique elements to the festival of St Anthony but in all cases the spirit of thanks and protection is the same.
Modern Faith based on Ancient Beliefs
Although the Blessing of the Animals in Spain originated in rural communities dependent upon their animals for work and food the tradition has now grown to incorporate modern life. It is no longer just farm animals who are brought to be blessed but beloved pets of all sizes and species are also involved. It has become a celebration of the companionship derived from pets and a respect for all creatures. These days animal welfare groups are often seen to participate and promote both adoption and responsible pet care as collect donations for local shelters and vet care. The festival encompasses both faith and social responsibility and brings communities together in kindness. This celebration is an important event in many festivals celebrated in Spain every year and as a representative of Hamiltons of London, franchisees can enjoy getting involved and introducing their clients to this wonderful occasion that brightens up the wintertime in Spain. If you are interested in becoming a Hamiltons franchisee, please send you application for more information to franchise@hamiltonsoflondon.net.
