San Antonio in Jávea
THE annual fiesta dedicated to San Antonio - patron saint and protector of animals spans three days in Javea next weekend.
It is a magical time when both domestic pets and working animals receive blessings; the saint’s day is January 17 and was once a day of rest for beasts of burden.
The mass in the Loreto church in Javea port on Friday - popularly known as the fishermen’s church - is followed by an outdoor blessing of animals by the sea. On Sunday, working animals and pets will receive a blessing in the old town.
Organised by the fiesta commission ‘Penya La Burrera’, the three days enjoy the more serious religious traditions of the occasion but it is also an occasion when young and old will be smiling.
FRIDAY JANUARY 17
9.00: Parade by the fiesta commission ‘Penya La Burrera’ through the streets of the port.
12.00: Mass in the Loreto church followed by the traditional blessing of the animals on the port promenade.
SATURDAY JANUARY 18
12.00: Transfer of the pine tree from Plaza de la Constitucion through the streets of the old town to Calle San Antonio.
20.00: Traditional burning of the San Antonio pine tree. Snacks and drinks for all.
SUNDAY JANUARY 19
11.00: Parade of horses and carts from Calle San Antonio to the port and back to the old town.
13.00: Traditional blessing of working animals and domestic pets in Plaza de la Constitucion.
MEDITERRÁNEOS PAINTINGS EXHIBITION
Jan 3-28: Paintings by artists Ángel Fuentes, Arantza Saez de Lafuente, Hugo Giner, Javier Cerdá, Hugo Cerdá and Monique Thomas, will be on display at de Sala 'El Taller' in Els Magazinos. C/ Pont 19. Entrance is free and opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday 6pm to 10pm.
JAVEA ARTS & CRAFT MARKET
Every Sunday through out the summer a variety of market
SPANISH LESSONS FOR RESIDENTS
This year, the School for Adults in La Nucía will offer again ‘Spanish Courses for Foreign Residents’.
The lessons will start in October and end in June, next year. The courses will be taught by qualified teachers, in small groups and in a friendly environment. Grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and conversation!