In Spain, pet owners celebrated San Anton’s feast day with a unique pet blessing tradition. The celebration sees pets, including dogs, cats, turtles, and more, visiting churches in search of blessings from the priest.

Sunday best: hundreds of pet owners bring their animals to church on the day of St Anthony, Spain's patron saint of animals for pet blessing
Sunday best: hundreds of pet owners bring their animals to church on the day of St Anthony, Spain’s patron saint of animals for pet blessing

San Anton’s Day

Pet Blessing in Spain, Saint Anthony the Great, Animal Blessing

Father Juan Manuel Villar blesses a visiting dog with holy water at San Anton
Father Juan Manuel Villar blesses a visiting dog with holy water at San Anton church in the center of Madrid

The custom of pet blessing has been around for centuries and has become an essential part of Spain’s cultural and religious identity. Pet owners dress up their furry friends in their finest and take them to the local church to receive a blessing from the priest. The pet blessing tradition has grown quite a lot in the latest years.

Another dog, wrapped up warmly, receives the holy water at San Anton church.
Another dog wrapped up warmly, receives the holy water at San Anton church Photograph: Jasper Juinen/Getty Image

Spanish Culture and Tradition

The pet blessing ceremony is believed to bring health and protection to the animals throughout the year. Many pet owners see this as an opportunity to show their love and care for their beloved pets.

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Meanwhile, a third dog rests his head on a pew before mass inside the church
Meanwhile, a third dog rests his head on a pew before mass inside the church

After the ceremony, the pets often receive treats and snacks, making it a fun day for the animals. Pet owners and animal lovers gather from different parts of Spain to celebrate the special bond between pets and their owners.

A young girl cradles her turtle after getting it blessed at the church of San Anton
A young girl cradles her turtle after getting it blessed at the church of San Anton

Pet blessing is a worldwide event. People celebrate it on different dates. The central idea remains the same: celebrating the bond between pets and their owners.

The blessings take place all over Spain. A rabbit waits its turn in Churriana, near Malaga
The blessings take place all over Spain. A rabbit waits its turn in Churriana, near Malaga

Blessing the World

Is a unique cultural event that celebrates the special bond between pets and their owners. It brings together pet lovers from different parts of the country to celebrate and show their love and care for their furry friends.

Another dog at San Anton plays up for the camera while waiting his turn at the altar
Another dog at San Anton plays up for the camera while waiting his turn at the altar

Source: The Guardian

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