Saint Anthony's Day (San Antón)
17 January 2026 — Every gentle creature deserves a blessing and a warm fire.
On 17 January the Catholic Church remembers Saint Anthony the Great, an Egyptian hermit of the 3rd–4th century, regarded as a founding figure of Christian monasticism. In Spain he is honoured as the patron of domestic animals, and the day is known as San Antón. In many towns and villages owners bring dogs, cats, horses, donkeys and other pets to the church, where a priest blesses them. In some places bonfires (luminarias) are lit and neighbours gather around them; sweet buns are sometimes shared. The feast expresses respect for animals that help with work and make a home warmer. On the calendar it falls in the middle of winter, when nights are still long and fire and shared light feel especially welcome. In 2026 the date is a Saturday, so gatherings may be larger. Local customs differ from place to place.
Flying across the sky: An ethereal, bluish-silver constellation-like figure made of luminous dots and fine lines: a small puppy, a kitten and a little donkey with tiny ribbons, walking in a row across the night sky toward a softly glowing bonfire of golden-white star points
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