Valencia is preparing to honor Sant Antoni del Porquet once again, one of the most beloved events on the local festive calendar. Although the highlight will be the blessing of hundreds of animals, the events will officially begin this Friday, January 16, with a program that combines the religious and the popular in the heart of Calle Sagunto.
Friday, January 16: Opening of the Mercat del Porrat
Photo: Hermandad San Antonio Abad
The activity in the parish of San Antonio Abad will begin early on Friday, January 16, with the celebration of Masses at 8:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. However, the highlight of the day will come at 9:00 p.m. with the official opening of the traditional Mercat del Porrat de Sant Antoni.
This market can be visited in the area surrounding Plaza San Juan Bosco (C/ Sagunto, 192 and Av. Constitución, 129) and will feature artisanal products and traditional cuisine until the afternoon of Sunday, January 18.
Saturday, January 17: The big day with the blessing of animals
On Friday, January 17, the feast day of San Antonio Abad, the day will begin at 10:00 a.m. with High Mass in honor of the patron saint. After the ceremony, at 11:15 a.m., the main event will take place: the blessing and the massive parade of animals.
To ensure order during this colorful event, the Brotherhood of Saint Anthony the Abbot has established the following parade protocol:
- Opening: Release of doves by the Falleras Mayores (Fallas Queens) of Valencia 2025.
- First turn: General public with domestic animals.
- Security forces: Mounted Local Police (in full dress uniform), National Police cavalry units, and Civil Guard squadron.
- Protocol: Solemn entrance in ceremonial carriages of the Falleras Mayores of Valencia, the Honorable Clavariesa of the Vicentinas Festivities, and the Queen of the Floral Games of Lo Rat Penat.
- Music and services: Tabalet and dolçaina, followed by the canine units of the Civil Guard, National Police, Local Police, and the Military Emergency Unit (UME).
- Agricultural tradition: Farm carts, luxury carriages, and coaches.
- Horse parade: Horse riders, picadors, amazons, and jockeys.
- Last turn: Members of the public with pets who did not arrive at the start.
The Brotherhood reminds everyone that it is essential for members of the public with pets to arrive at the start of the parade. Those who arrive late must wait until all the units and carriages have passed before they can receive the blessing.