Countdown to the celebration of the feast of San Antón in Osunillas on the 17th. The 'Mayordomos de San Antón' (Stewards of San Antón) have already begun preparations today. The tradition is perpetuated with a day full of popular activities to which everyone is invited. 

Don't forget that 'Hasta San Antón, Pascuas son' (Its Christmas until San Antón), or so goes the saying. For some, Christmas is still lingering, in terms of decorations and excesses, and in Osunillas they are already preparing for the next event, San Antón. According to the president of the Stewards, Toñi Barranquero, "the locals are looking forward to this day and we really enjoy it. The doors of San Antón are open to everyone. When the fiesta is on weekdays, fewer people come, but we hope that, above all the young people, will come in the afternoon and live and enjoy this day, so that this tradition is not lost and is passed on from adults to children". 

Since Monday afternoon, the members of the association have been meeting to tidy up the inside of the chapel, finalise the cleaning and start up the tripe, which must be soaked for 24 hours. Operational Services and Renta Básica have already spent a few days tidying up the surroundings and repainting the exterior. 

The Stewards of San Antón are in charge of ensuring that this tradition, together with the festivity of the patron saint of animals, is not lost. They have organised an evening full of activities and invite all residents and visitors to participate. According to Barranquero, "first we will call everyone with the conch shell. Mass is celebrated at 12 noon by the parish priest, followed by the typical blessing of the animals in the little square behind. All kinds of animals arrive with their owners. After the mass, the 'wheels' are played, and of course, at the bar we will offer the typical callos (tripe), and for tea, hot chocolate and fritters". 

History

The collaboration of everyone is requested so that this fiesta does not lose its essence. In order not to damage the image or the surroundings of the hermitage, respect and responsibility are asked of all those who want to continue with the tradition of throwing the 'chinita' at the saint, a tradition whose origin is unknown. What is known is the history of the conch shell, and how the hermitage was built in Osunillas. "We know that some sailors who were off the coast of Mijas were caught in a storm and so they prayed to San Antón, offering him that if they were saved they would build a hermitage in a high area, and it was in Osunillas, with spectacular views. They managed to save themselves and they did so. For this reason there is also the call of the conch shell, something that people are surprised about. It is the call they used to make in the old days, the way to announce to the neighbours to go up to the hermitage to celebrate this day, with the patron saint of animals", Barranquero explained.

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