On January 16th & 17th Mallorca commemorates Saint Anthony Abbot, patron saint of domestic animals and he who resisted evil.

Born in Egypt in the year 250 AD, the story tells of a man who devoted himself to Christianity. Saint Anthony, at a very early age, disposed of all possessions and decided to become a hermit only to share his days with nature and animals. 

He moved to the dessert to live near tombs and often had to encounter visits from demons who tried to tempt him with sin.  Saint Anthony resisted every attempt and lived a life of humility and self-discipline for 105 years.

Today’s celebrations reflect this theory.  On the evening of the 16th of January hundreds of  bonfires (foguerons) are lit as a prelude to the Saint’s day and the streets of Mallorca are invaded by freighting and wild processions of demons (botargas) that try unsuccessfully to throw the saint into the flames.

The next day, January 17th, after mass, everyone is welcome to bring their pets to be christened, meant to assure fertility and good health throughout the year for our favorite furry and feathered companions.