With January often seen as the month of post-festive fatigue, this past weekend served as a reminder that a whole new calendar year of local village ‘festi’ is just beginning!

The traditional feast of St Anthony the Abbot (Maltese: 'San Anton Abbati'), celebrated every year on January 17th, honors St Anthony, the patron saint of animals. Mosta and Rabat in Malta, as well as Xaghra in Gozo, are three of the localities that celebrate this very particular feast. 

The Mosta Parish Facebook page has shared some images of the celebrations that took place over the weekend - aside from the usual favourites of the village feast, including the Scouts’ band-led processions, the highlight of the event was the blessing of the animals, with pet owners taking their animals - from birds to hamsters to dogs, and even turtles!

With such wholesome celebrations taking place, and the sun that's currently shining down on the islands, it's easy to feel that summer isn't too far off after all!

Have you ever attended the feast of St Anthony the Abbot?