All creatures great and small flock to Spanish churches

Sunday saw pet owners across Spain troop their cute, cuddly and curious creatures to church to receive a blessing on the day of Saint Anthony, the patron saint of animals.

Pets trooped out for blessing in Spain. Image by m01229 / CC BY 2.0

Dogs, cats and rabbits, some decked out in bows or colourful sweaters, as well as a dove and an iguana all lined up outside the Church of San Anton in Madrid  to await a blessing of holy water from the priest. The festival has been observed in Madrid since the 19th century. Read more: abc.net.au