Valencia, Spain - Chris and Kristin in Toledo

 Chris and Kristin spent 2 nights in Toledo, Spain. It was a 4 to 5hr drive so that gave them an evening and a full day. Why Toledo, you ask? As I did. An interest in witchcraft and magic, was the answer.

 Toledo, Spain, is historically renowned as a major center of medieval magic, sorcery, and Inquisition-era witch trials, often referred to as a "city of witches" and alchemists in folklore. It served as a hub for alleged underground schools of necromancy and was a focal point for the Spanish Inquisition to suppress heresy. From AI summary.

The following are pictures that Christine sent me. They were not labeled so I am not sure what they are of specifically.

This may be from their hotel. They both commented that it was very hilly. In contrast to here and Valencia, both of which are dead flat.

 

They also said it was very cold. It is in Central Spain

The old section has narrow streets. 

They went to the Cathedral, that Chris said was huge and beautiful.

They also had a walking tour and visited the museum of magic.

When they got back they just had time to pack and then take a brief walk on the beach at dusk, as they flew home the next day.

Collecting stones for Kristin's collection (she had 12lbs to spare in her suitcase)

I dislike having my picture taken but sometimes you just have to let it happen.

We noticed new additions to the beach.

No idea what that's all about but I will keep an eye on the progress.

This little bird almost looks like a British Robin but the breast is very pale. The female of the species does have a paler, more orange breast but not this pale, so I don't think it is. Most British Robins are non migratory but some do fly south to Spain.

Chris left me a book to read (The Nightingale), multiple electric plug adapters and they left these 2 transportation passes that still have 6 trips on them.

 It was lovely having them visit but the time flew by. 

Valencia, Spain - blessing of the larger animals

After all the household pets had been blessed it was time for the farm animals and horses.

 

I have to give the priest credit

these animals were not always well behaved

and although some were pretty stoic about it (old hands perhaps)

some were a little put off by the waving hand

and flying water.

Some of the horses

were paraded around the square before receiving their blessing.

Some of the riders did tricks

as did some of the horses/ponies.

The cow (bull?) was definitely not a fan.

There were some magnificent Andalusian horses. Some performed some dressage in the square.

The whole event lasted about an hour and then the crowd gradually dispersed with a lot of greeting neighbours and their animals. 

I took the opportunity to 

pop into the church which

had been closed up on previous occasions

that I had been in the village.

The riders and horses had amassed just out of the square so

I took the opportunity for some close ups.

From there I walked

back through the market

where this time the crank carousel was in use.

I hadn't noticed the craft beer booth the previous day

Decor on a roof as I walked out of the village.

Valencia, Spain - Sant Antoni, blessing of the animals

 I was feeling lazy this morning and had pretty well talked myself out of walking into the village again. But luckily I changed my mind and headed out at about 11:15 for an event that was to start at 12:15. I am so glad that I did.

Past the empty parking lot of the grocery store. Darn it, I hadn't thought about it being closed on a Sunday and I am low on milk.

 

I was here to see the Blessing of the Animals and as I reached the edge of the village I saw that at least one horse was here to get blessed.

It is said that San Antón liked to live surrounded by as many animals as possible, so perhaps he can be considered the first millennial in history. Anthony Abbot or Anton Abbot was born in Egypt in 251 AD. It is said that he lived for 105 years. From the age of 20, he did so in seclusion in a cave, where he sought the purity of his spirit apart from material possessions. Before retiring, he donated all his possessions to the less favored communities.

Antonio Abad, according to the chronicles, learned everything he knew through the contemplation of nature and the life of animals, to which he dedicated practically his entire life. Many miracles related to these animals are attributed to him. For example, he buried the body of St. Paul, the Hermit, with the help of two lions, or that he cured the blindness of some pig cubs, an animal that since then has always remained by his side. from Fascinatingspain.com

The medieval market was still in place

 

but I just walked through

and found myself a place to stand by a barricade in the church square.

It was about noon and people and pets were beginning to congregate.

This official looking young man bought out, from the church, a couple of tables, table clothes and a silver jug and cup.

Then the statue of Sant Antoni and a bible were bought out

along with a vase of flowers.

Sant Antoni

This was the master of ceremonies, introduced the various animals and their owners.

Various dignitaries were also in attendance. Maybe the mayor and town councillors?

The event officially began with a reading from the bible.

And then it began. There was a long line of pet owners. Pets in Spanish is mascotas

A participant would approach and the priest would splash water on the animal

and then on the owner.

They each patiently came up

big,

medium,

small,

dressed up,

cats,

birds, rabbits, guinea pigs. 

After each one was blessed the owners were handed a bag of candy by the other dignitaries.

When all the household pets were finished

We moved on to the larger animals.

But that is for the next post.