St Antoni Abat

Saint Anthony the abbot or Antonio Abbas ( Upper Egypt , 251 ? - 356 ) was a Christian monk and a pioneer of hermitism. He is considered the patron saint of all domestic animals, especially horses. Legend has it that he was a great friend to animals and, when he saw a wounded animal he would heal it. So it was with a pig, who to show her appreciation, decided to accompany him for the rest of his life.
His feast falls on 17 January, and is a major celebration in countries of Christian influence. In Catalan-speaking countries, the popular devotion to the Saint dates back to the twelfth century and the influence of pilgrimages to the Abbey of San Antonio near Vienne. As a traditional protector of animals used for field work, many festivals are held in his honor, in order to promote fertility of animals and production of food, and purification. In the past it was a key event in many populations, being the major festival of winter.
Currently, the disappearance of working animals could bring about the end of the festival. However it seems that the love of a party means that the devotion is being transferred to animals kept for pleasure and in this particular celebration there is a concentration of carts, carriages and draught horses.
There were over 150 horses on parade today in various states of beautification, the one I chose as my blip looked bored with the whole affair, but shyly proud of his crocheted ear protectors, Some others are here under Can Patrona