Saint Anthony’s Day in Torrevieja 2026 – Pet Blessing & Traditions

Saint Anthony’s Day in Torrevieja 2026

Official website of Torrevieja City Council – source of information about the program and events of the celebration of Saint Anthony Abbot, the patron saint of animals, held annually in January.

What is this holiday

The Saint Anthony Abbot Day (San Antón) is a traditional event dedicated to the patron saint of animals. In Torrevieja, it is celebrated with blessings for both domestic and shelter animals, making it a lively event for residents and visitors alike.

Official program in Torrevieja

According to the official website of the Torrevieja City Council, the following key events are scheduled for 2026:

• January 17, 11:00 – visit to the Municipal Animal Shelter with blessings for dogs and cats.
• January 17, 18:00 – blessing of domestic pets at the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
• January 17, 18:00 – animal blessing also takes place at the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
• January 18, 13:00 – animal blessing at the Parish of Our Lady of the Rosary in La Mata after mass.

History and significance

Saint Anthony Abbot is revered as the patron of animals in many European countries. In Christian tradition, he is associated with the care of living beings, which is why people bring their pets for blessing on his feast day. This heritage is preserved on the Costa Blanca and in Torrevieja as a cultural and spiritual tradition.

How the blessing takes place

The main part of the holiday is the animal blessing, usually held outdoors in front of the church. Owners come with their pets: dogs, cats, birds, and even small rodents. The priest performs a short ritual, after which the animals are considered under Saint Anthony’s protection for the coming year.

Blessings take place at several locations in the city, making it convenient for participants to choose the nearest site. This makes the festival large-scale and accessible.

Traditional elements of the celebration

• Animal blessing – the main symbol of the event.
• Mass in honor of Saint Anthony, which many families attend after the blessing.
• Municipal shelter – highlights public care for homeless animals and encourages participation in adoption programs.

Why it matters

The holiday is not only a religious ritual. It emphasizes the importance of animals in human life, brings the community together, and draws attention to animal welfare issues. Torrevieja demonstrates how traditions can combine with modern social initiatives.

Where Torrevieja is located

Torrevieja on Google Maps – a Mediterranean city and municipality on the Costa Blanca coast in the province of Alicante, known for its salt lagoons, beaches, and vibrant cultural life.

More about the city can be found on the official city council page, where the 2026 celebration program is published.

Conclusion

Saint Anthony’s Day in Torrevieja is a warm family holiday with deep cultural roots, combining religious traditions and modern attention to animal welfare. In 2026, it will once again be a significant event for residents and visitors, offering participation in blessing rituals, community activities, and the spiritual life of the city.

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