To start the year on the right foot, the inhabitants of Gata de Gorgos celebrate the famous festival of Sant Antoni del Porquet. A celebration where the protagonists are not people, but pets.
Next you have an index with all the points that we are going to deal with.
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When is celebrated
The Sant Antoni del Porquet festival is celebrated in Gata de Gorgos during the weekend next to January 17 (Sant Antoni Abad day).
Featured events
The festival of Sant Antoni del Porquet puts animals in the focus of the festival. The main events are the mass in honor of the Saint. Once finished, the cavalry parade, the shooting and dragging competition take place, followed by the blessing of the animals and the distribution of blessed bread.
On the other hand, an offering of flowers to the saint and a procession are also made. In addition, activities such as traditional dances, chocolate, children's games or concerts are carried out.
Origen
The festival dates back to the 14th century when the religious San Antonio Abad, a hermit who always had a special love for animals, arrived in Valencia. In fact, because in the paintings that portrayed him he appears next to pigs, he began to be called Sant Antoni del Porquet.
After the creation of a hermitage of the Hospitaller Order of the Antonians, people got into the habit of going there every year to bless the cattle, since it was an area known for having miraculous water, as well as olive trees. Over time it spread to different areas of the Valencian Community.
