Today is the feast of St Anthony, patron saint of animals. In a parish near where I live, they organise the blessing of the animals. It's an important celebration in my city, and lots of people (even if they aren't religious) take their animals to be blessed.The blessing has got two parts; first, pets are blessed, and in the second part working animals are. Even if I live in a city, it's surrounded by orchards and agricultural areas, and many people still keep their "working" horses, donkeys and mules -not to work, which is done by machines, but because of sentimental reasons, and also because they practice a traditional sport consisting of a line of horses pulling a vey heavy cart. Anyway, people from all the surrounding area get their animals in their "Sunday best" and brush them until they shine, wear the traditional work clothes (the black blouse) and take their animals to be blessed. This horse is just one of many, and he is part of a line of horses pulling a cart - hence the chains.
A beautiful capture of this grand horse and his owner. I love this so much - Blessing of the animals - As an animal lover I would love to be able to see this kind of celebration one day.
First I was a little confused about "blessing" animals, while they let them work (in chains) - but I've read you explanation and understand. Beautiful horse!
