Feast of Sant'Antonio Abate On 17 January, several Spanish towns and villages celebrate the Fiesta di Sant'Antonio Abate or Feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot, also known as Saint Anthony the Great. Although he is often overshadowed by similarly named Saint Anthony of Padua, this Egyptian saint is particularly important throughout Spain and Italy, and is the patron saint of butchers, domestic animals, basketmakers,and gravediggers; he also protects against skin diseases, especially shingles.

Saint Anthony the Abbot was a ... (more)