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 hermit who renounced his worldly possessions to follow Jesus and performed miracles throughout his life. He is considered the first to live a truly monastic lifestyle and was repeatedly tempted by the devil, persevering through prayer. This aspect of the saint's life is often portrayed in images of him with the devil at his feet.

His feast day is celebrated with processions, music, and especially bonfires as one legend claims that he went to hell to steal the devil's fire, and indeed, while he distracted the devil, his piglet ran in and stole a firebrand to take back to humans on Earth.

On Saturday the 17th of January the villagers and the expat community of Sedella in the Axarquia celebrated St, Anthony, the patron of all their animals. It started with a band in the evening at the big plaza in front of the church, people dances till the early hours of Sunday.

On Sunday all villagers and expats with animals (like me) came to the Plaza. I had taken my husky Aztec and my neighbour Les was riding the donkey of his Landlord Jose. The Plaza was full of people and after Mass the priest came out of the church, so did the statue of St. Anton. In small groups the horsemen went to the front to be blessed, then the mules, then the donkeys, then the pigs, then the dogs. After the blessings were done the priest started with St, Anthony statue and all the horsemen and villagers the procession through town. I was happy to experience this event in my newly chosen residence in the village of Sedella.