Legend has it that San Antón restored the sight to his wild boars, and that is why he is usually represented with a tamed pig at his feet. Thus he remained for posterity as the protector of animals, and as the patron saint of the festivities that begin in Madrid in mid-January.
Yes, the celebrations in honor of San Antón are about to begin. This year, the program incorporates novelties such as a proclamation led by the volunteers of ERICAM (Emergency and Immediate Response of the Community of Madrid), who provided their service to those affected by the Valencia DANA (including, of course, the canine search team).
The main attraction of the festival is the number of pet exhibitions organized in the city center. On both Saturday, January 18 and Sunday, January 19, the Madrid municipal police will take its Canine Unit for a stroll around the Palacio de Cibeles (Calle Montalbán, 1). Joining the party are the Roncescan Foundation, the Cinological Service of the Civil Guard, the National Police and the Canis Majoris Foundation, which will also arrive at the Crystal Gallery with their little four-legged heroes.
An opportunity to find a pet
On Saturday, the Animal Protection Center of the Community of Madrid (road Barrio de la Fortuna, 33) will hold an open day in which all visitors will know the daily life of the pets that live there. All of them are up for adoption, so it is the ideal place for those who are looking for a new four-legged friend. To join the visit you must reserve a place by sending an email to msvoluntarioscpa@madrid.es indicating the desired shift (there are two: from 10:00 to 12:00 h and from 12:00 to 14:00 h).
In addition, on Sunday there will be a parade of animals and solidarity market in the Plaza de Chueca organized by AEGAL. The association encourages visitors to enjoy the stalls with their pets.
Before the festivities officially begin (from January 12 to 17), the Church of San Antón (Calle Hortaleza, 63) will sell the famous saint’s buns in honor of the patron saint of animals.
On the other hand, on January 17, the traditional ‘Vueltas de San Antón’ will be held: a procession that will fill the neighborhood with music and pets. On the same day, the church will bless all the pets that come to the temple (until 8:00 pm).
Highlights of the program of the festivities
January 17th
- Blessing of animals in the Church of San Antón. From 10:00 to 20:00 hours.
- Distribution of blessed rolls. Throughout the day.
- St. Anton’s parade. From 17:00 hours from the Church of San Antón.
January 18th
- Pet exhibitions at the Palacio de Cibeles. From 11:00 to 13:30 and from 17:00 to 19:30.
- Open day at the Animal Protection Center. From 10:00 to 14:00 hours.
January 19th
- Pet exhibitions at the Palacio de Cibeles. From 11:00 to 13:30 hours.
- Solidarity market. From 13:00 hours.