The blessing of pets in Madrid

In Spain, this week celebrated the Day of St. Anthony, the patron saint of animals.
January 17 central streets of Madrid were closed to traffic - the hosts were their cats and dogs for the annual blessing ceremony where each pet priest blessed and sprinkled with holy water.
This holiday was banned for many years due to the fact that the march and pet owners create a traffic jam on the streets. However, in the late '80s, he appeared again, just now in this day several streets closed to transport animals and quietly go to church.

Among the pupils who received this year's blessing, were spotted dogs, cats, rabbits, parrots, doves, eagles, donkeys and even turtles.





On the Day of St. Anthony priests bless pets that owners bring to the church. St. Anthony lived as a hermit in the III-IV century in Egypt and became famous for selflessly caring for sick animals, including predatory.

Rabbit and his master waiting for their turn.



Stylish chihuahua.



Two Yorkshire Terrier.



Eagle ...



Parrot in anticipation of blessing and sprinkling holy water



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A couple of different ages donkeys



Feast of St. Anton decided to celebrate not only in Spain. This is a picture of a pigeon's blessings in Mexico City.



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And in the village of San Bartolomeo for this holiday riding horses through bonfires

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