Animals take pride of place in Xaghra celebration

The feast of St Anthony the Abbot was celebrated in Xaghra with Mass at the old church dedicated to the saint and a full day of outdoor events including the blessing of horses in St Anthony Square.

The horses then went on parade through the main streets of the town with the statue of the saint being carried on a carriage drawn by two horses. The Jackson Pipe Band took part in the parade.

A dog show with 101 entries in 14 sections was also held. Max, a German Pointer, owned by George Cini of Zebbug, Gozo won the trophy for Best Dog In Show.

In the afternoon, Gozo Bishop Nikol Cauchi concelebrated Mass at the parish basilica with the participation of the parish choir Voci Angeliche.

The statue of St Anthony was then carried in procession from the basilica to St Anthony Square. Taking part were owners of animals and pets and the Victory Band, of Xaghra.

Bishop Cauchi later blessed the animals and presented the owners with a small special loaf, a small bag of wheat and a picture of the saint. The afternoon activities included races for children.