Animal Blessing at S. Antonio Fair Draws Large Crowd in Lonato

Lovely and enchanting, the traditional blessing of the animals has been a great success, serving as the final event alongside the «chisol» at the 43rd edition of the S. Antonio Fair, an exhibition that drew numerous visitors to Lonato.

Blessing Ceremony

Yesterday afternoon at 4 p.m., a large crowd gathered on the steps of the eponymous little church, on the steep staircase leading to the temple, and in the street S. Antonio below.

Many children and many parents did not want to miss the appointment with the blessing that has accompanied the life of Lonato for centuries, when animal husbandry was a main livelihood for almost all families.

The link to a distant past was also made clear by the variety of animal species present, forming a sort of tiny parade of specimens ready to board Noah’s Ark.

Species and Animals Present

Many of those present were children accompanied by their dogs, of all types and breeds, but there were also cats of every kind, long-haired, Siamese, and tawny-coated.

Also present were doves, a handsome rooster, little turtles, farmyard animals, and pheasants.

There were even a couple of stunning lambs with snow-white fleece.

Final Moment and Other Activities

At the conclusion of a brief ceremony, the parish priest imparted a solemn blessing to all, just as the first snowflakes of the year 2001 fell from the sky.

The S. Antonio Festival then continued in the square with the traditional contest for the cooking of the best «chisol», a typical sweet dish.

More than thirty desserts were delivered to the municipality.

In the evening, despite the cold, the chestnut roasting event took place, closing the festivities.