Saint Anthony the Abbot in Tavernes
Saint Anthony Abbot, also known as Sant Antoni del Porquet, is one of the best-loved winter traditions in Tavernes de la Valldigna. The festival brings together the protection of animals, agricultural memory, fire and local community life.
Although the liturgical feast day is 17 January, in Tavernes it is usually celebrated the following weekend. The city preserves a simple and highly participatory event: the image of the saint, blessing of animals, horse parade, bonfire and a popular dinner around the fire.
Saint Anthony AbbotWhen it is celebrated and why it is special
Saint Anthony Abbot connects the religious calendar, rural life and a popular atmosphere. It is a festival open to families, visitors and animal lovers, with events centred around Passeig del País Valencià and the nearby streets.
Around 17 January; usually the following weekend.
Passeig del País Valencià and the route of the blessing and parade.
Family-friendly, local, participatory and closely linked to animals.
Blessing, horses and bonfire, known as the cremà del pi.
From the farming world to a city-wide festival
Saint Anthony Abbot has traditionally been regarded as the protector of domestic and working animals. For this reason, the celebration became rooted in many Valencian towns and cities linked to agriculture, livestock and rural life. In Tavernes, that origin is still recognised in the presence of horses and in the blessing of pets.
Animals, horses and popular devotion
The blessing of animals is one of the most eagerly awaited moments. Families and residents come with their pets, while the passage of horses provides an image closely linked to tradition. More than an isolated event, it recalls the historical bond between people, animals and everyday life.
The cremà del pi and the local gathering
Fire gives the festival its most visual character. The bonfire brings many people together on Passeig del País Valencià and turns the night into a meeting point. Many families and groups of friends use the warmth of the bonfire to dine together and extend the celebration.
Main events of Saint Anthony the Abbot
The programme may vary from year to year, but the festival keeps a recognisable structure: image of the saint, blessing, horses, bonfire and local community spirit. Before attending, it is advisable to check the municipal channels.
The image of Saint Anthony presides over the celebration and recalls the devotional origin of the festival.
Pets and domestic animals receive the blessing in a very family-friendly event.
The passage of horses preserves one of the most visually striking scenes of the day.
A welcoming and participatory tradition
Saint Anthony is experienced in the street, with a calm and family-friendly atmosphere. The mix of animals, music, fire and conversation makes the celebration easy to understand for anyone visiting Tavernes for the first time.
How to enjoy the festival safely and respectfully
Arrive with time, keep passage areas clear and maintain a safe distance from horses and animals. If you come with a pet, avoid crowds and follow the organisers’ instructions. If you take part in the dinner beside the bonfire, use only the permitted spaces and help keep the surroundings clean.
Complete your visit to Tavernes
Connect Saint Anthony Abbot with other traditions, major festivals and plans to discover Tavernes de la Valldigna throughout the year.
Popular traditions
Porrats, summer festivities, culture and local dates in the festive calendar.
See traditions
Travel planner for Tavernes
Organise your visit by duration, interests, time of year and pace.
Plan your visitImages of Saint Anthony Abbot
A visual selection of the image of the saint, the bonfire, the horses and the local atmosphere of this winter tradition in Tavernes.
