As every 17th of January, San Antón takes centre stage. In Mijas, this festivity is one of the most deeply rooted and loved by the locals, who gather around the chapel of Osunillas to enjoy a day of coexistence that is lived with special enthusiasm. “It is a tradition that has been going on for centuries and has never ceased to be celebrated”, said Toñi Barranquero, president of the San Antón stewards, “I have never known a day when this festivity has not been commemorated. However, because of the pandemic it has not been celebrated for two years in a row. As Barranquero assured, since 2020 this festivity had not been celebrated and the call of the conch shell sounded by the stewards had not been heard.
The town’s parish priest, Francisco Villasclaras, officiated the mass and afterwards, on leaving the hermitage, proceeded to bless the animals, this being one of the most awaited moments of the day and which, of course, attracted the most attention. “It is a very happy tradition because no matter what day it is, San Antón is always celebrated, and it is also a popular festival that is unadulterated and that we must preserve. It also helps us to socialise, which is necessary”, said the parish priest. All animal owners, mostly of pets, seek the divine protection of the saint.
Many came to “baptise” their four-legged companions. The mayor of Mijas, Josele González (PSOE), did not want to miss this festivity either, and the fact is that “this tradition has been celebrated since the 15th century, which is why it is so important that the institution and the residents themselves meet every year at the chapel with our pets”, said González, adding that “the pandemic has robbed us of two festivities of San Antón and this year we are enjoying it as always: in good company and as a family. In fact, many families are working together to keep this tradition alive. From the Town Hall we can only thank them so that these traditions continue to be maintained generation after generation”.
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