Just like every year, during the final weekend of January, all paths in Tenerife head towards La Matanza de Acentejo to rejoice in the traditional Octava and Livestock Fair of San Antonio Abad, a not-to-be-missed occasion in the rural community’s agenda. It is a celebration where reverence for the patron saint of animals and the traditions and practices of herdsmen have coexisted for centuries.
The fair in La Matanza is the oldest on the Island and typically spans over the three consecutive Sundays following the saint’s day, which falls on January 17.
Despite the intense heat and prevailing mist across the island, thousands of people from nearby towns such as El Sauzal, Ravelo, and La Victoria de Acentejo gathered in the municipality yesterday. The purpose was to have their animals blessed and seek protection against diseases and epidemics that could impact their breeding and productivity.
Registrations for livestock and participant controls commenced at 8:00 a.m., and at 10:00 a.m., the livestock fair, held as usual in the Plaza de San Antonio and the fairgrounds, kicked off.
The number of livestock surpassed expectations, as confirmed by the first deputy mayor, Miguel Ángel Pérez Pío. In particular, over 1,000 animals were registered, including 180 cattle, 800 goats, and more than 100 horses, along with domestic animals.
Following the religious ceremony honoring San Antonio Abad, a procession around the sanctuary and the subsequent blessing of the livestock took place.
Once again, this year, herdsmen of all ages were the central figures of this familial celebration, attended by approximately 8,000 individuals yesterday, as indicated by the Councilor for Security. However, the events honoring the patron saint of animals will draw to a close next Sunday with the cattle drag.
