HUNDREDS OF PETS BLESSED ON SAINT ANTHONY’S DAY

From Irish Wolfhounds to Chihuahuas through cats, frogs, ferrets and even a bird or three, last week hundreds of animal lovers took to the streets of Torrevieja to have their pets ‘blessed' for the traditional San Anton or Saint Anthony Day.

Local Priest Manuel Martínez Rocamora blessed each pet by sprinkling a little holy water over them, with owners such as Martin and his cocker spaniel, saying that he hoped it provide ‘Charlie' with another accident free year and good health.

Torrevieja's Inmaculada Church was the setting for this year's celebration. Father Manuel Martínez Rocomora shared the duties with pastor Francisco Román who blessed almost 200 pets during the short ceremony. Pets and owners assembled beside the Vista Alegre Exhibition Centre and accompanied by a vehicle playing classical music, the procession made their way through the streets to the entrance beside the Church.

The entire event was captured by two different Television teams; TV Torrevieja and from Alicante and Valencia, Channel 9, who provided a live link to an evening show. Many of those participating were doing so for the first time and although the entire activities were over in just about an hour, pet owners stayed in the Town Square long after the event finished, watching the TV interviews and chatting with new friends, made among owners and pets alike.