Early in the morning, the conch shell sounded on the Osunillas hill, announcing the festivity of the patron saint of animals, San Antón Abad. Although the morning was somewhat unstable, the sun eventually appeared over Osunillas, accompanying the activities of a festivity steeped in history with pleasant temperatures. Every year, the stewards of the saint recreate this festivity at the Osunillas Hermitage. After the sound of the conch shell, the chapel filled with parishioners to honour the saint, led by the parish priest of Mijas, Father Hermán Marcel Lunar. After the mass, the animals present at the doors of the hermitage were blessed, with the parish priest sprinkling holy water on the animals and their owners to bring them good luck throughout the year.

 

The origin of the San Antón festivities

The San Antón festivity in Mijas dates back to the 18th century, when the Osunillas Hermitage was built by sailors. The conch shell was the means they used to announce the San Antón mass, as the hermitage did not originally have a bell, making it a symbol that is sounded every year on the 17th of January. Toñi Barranquero, president of the Mayordomos de San Antón Mijas (San Antón Stewards Mijas), has been responsible for sounding the conch shell in recent years, and she does so from the Osunillas hill. "This is a family tradition. I inherited it from my father, and my daughters are learning it from me. We do not want it to be lost".

In past centuries, San Antón blessed farm animals, cows, horses, donkeys and other livestock, so that they would be healthy throughout the year and be able to work in the fields without falling ill. Today, it is mainly pets such as dogs, cats, birds and stable horses that receive the blessing.

The ceremony was attended by the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata, who highlighted the importance of this tradition. “This is the history of our municipality and the history of the people who have contributed to ensuring that Mijas continues to exist, and we have a responsibility to maintain that legacy".

 

Searching for love

Another traditional custom is the San Antón wheel. Single women gather in a circle while singing popular songs to find a partner, hoping that a single man will ask them to dance in the centre. This tradition is recreated every year in front of the chapel. But if you were unlucky in the circle, good aim can offer another chance to find love if you manage to throw the pebble at the saint's crotch. This year, many young women tried their luck and a high percentage managed to hit the target. 

Gastronomy also plays a part in this traditional day with the famous San Antón tripe, cooked by the group of stewards and collaborators. Everyone present enjoyed a good dish of tripe and, as a novelty, some fritters that provided the perfect finishing touch to this 17th of January 2026.

 

The stewards of San Antón Abad once again brought traditions to life in Osunillas, making the 17th of January a special day once again.

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