Ariany
Sant Antoni of Ariany
When
17 January 2027
16-17 de enero
Type
Patron saint feast
About this tradition
Ariany's bonfire is one of the few where the whole village still fits around the same fire. A single fogueró in the square, the ximbomba, and the certainty that you know every person singing.
History & origin
Sant Antoni Abat is the patron of animals and, in a historically agricultural village like Ariany, his cult has a practical root: blessing the beasts that put food on the table. The tradition held even during the years when Ariany was a mere hamlet of Petra.
How it is celebrated
On the night of the 16th the fogueró is lit and the ximbombes come out. Improvised gloses are sung — many aimed at neighbours present, and not always kindly. On the 17th, the beneïdes: people bring dogs, cats, horses and the odd lamb to be blessed by the priest.
Ritual elements
- ·Foguerón únic a la plaça
- ·Ximbomba i gloses
- ·Beneïdes d'animals
- ·Torrada comunitària
Associated gastronomy
Botifarrons and llonganissa grilled over the embers of the fogueró. Local wine and coca amb verdura. Bread is dipped in the fat dripping from the sausages.
Municipality
How to get there
MA-3320 from Petra. Park at the entrance to the village: the square is closed off on the night of the 16th.