Fiesta of San Antonio Abad

The Fiesta of San Antonio Abad is held in January - Saint Anthony's Day is the 17th - each year and the fiesta can be found in various small towns in Tenerife, such Arona, Los Silos, La Florida in La Orotava and here in Buenavista del Norte.

Even though the actual Saints Day is only on one day, the fiesta is celebrated over the entire week. San Antonio Abad is the patron Saint of a diverse selection of subjects which range from animals all the way through to various skin diseases. It's the animal part that provides the focus of the fiesta.

People bring their animals, mostly livestock, but also a goodly number of pet dogs these days, down from the villages in order to have them blessed. Hundreds of them first gather on open ground, then parade down the main streets of the town.

I have it on authority that if one registers one's animal(s) in advance with the Town Hall, then they get a number and after the parade, some sort of gift, such as a trophy or even money.

The most striking result of this event is that by mid-afternoon the streets are literally carpeted, wall to wall and knee deep in something that would probably be very good for the roses!

The Icon of San Antonio Abad heads the parade.

Not surprisingly, this horse won 1st prize for its hairdo.

What a load of bull ...

There should have been many arrests for drunk in charge of a horse. This guy didn't even bother to dismount to buy his beer and is seen here accepting his change!

The Three Amigos, Buenavista stylee ...

You can head a horse ... always provided it wants to go!
You can lead a horse ... always provided it wants to go!

Then sometimes, the belligerent ones head straight for the camera.
Then sometimes, belligerent ones head straight for the camera.

A shy little kid isn't quite sure about posing.

Prize winning burros.

Amazingly, each herd stuck close together and no one went out of line, even when making turns around the busy streets.

There were humans too dancing all through the parade.

Ride a white horse ...

A large number of horses gather before the start of the parade.

Goats packed tightly into a pen
Goats packed like sardines into a pen.

This handsome black goat sports the very latest in bleached hairstyles.

We're OK, what about those people behind the barrier?

An ox cart full of kids - the human type.

Hand cart and man in typical Canarian costume.

The various folk groups walk with the parade.