Dieser Artikel auf Deutsch: Der Große Antonio in Valencia

January 17th is the day of San Antonio, patron saint of animals. In Valencia, celebrations center on the neighborhood and church which bear his name, where people bring their pets to march in a crazy parade and get blessed. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many 4-legged creatures in one place — dogs were the most numerous, but they were joined by cats, hamsters, rabbits, goats, pigs, fish, lizards, birds… and just about everything else you could possibly consider a "pet".

As you might expect, we got a lot of fun pictures. Enjoy!

– Fallas 2010  T-Shirt

If you live in Valencia, August is the longest month of the year. All your favorite shops and restaurants are closed. Your neighbors and friends are gone, enjoying extended stays in their home villages. The oppressive heat is devouring your soul. And just when you’re ready to give up and spend the rest of the day on the balcony with a pack of cigarettes, a book and a cold bottle of white wine, you notice your dog ferociously scratching at her eye.

“Fine”, you sigh, “let’s go to the goddamn vet”.

You get back home hours later, and €50 poorer. But despite the hassle, you’re content, because now your dog looks like this:

And if August is miserable for you, it’s going to be terrible for her.

– Guapa Fallera Mayor