People bring all kinds of domestic and farm animals and gather in front of the church in Ferruccia.
	Douglas smuggles a picture of Ombretta's cats in so that they can be blessed.
	The priest gives the benediction to all the creatures, great and small.
	At the end of the ceremony, white doves are released.

The Festa di Sant'Antonio – or Feast of St. Anthony – takes place throughout Italy and around the world. It is celebrated on the Sunday closest to January 17th, the date of the death of Saint Anthony of Abbot, the patron saint of the animal kingdom, back in 356 AD. The ceremony celebrates and gives appreciation for the services provided to the human race by the animal kingdom.

Animal blessing ceremonies often take place in the U.S. around late September, related to the other Saint associated with animals, St. Francis of Assissi, whose feast day is in early October.

Resources

www.animalfair.com
A lifestyle website for animal lovers in the U.S.

www.olvera-street.com
Learn about the blessing of the animals tradition in Los Angeles

www.hostetler.net/italy.cfm
A list of festivals all over Italy throughout the year

www.usembassy.it
Information on bringing dogs and cats into the U.S. from Italy, and vice versa

www.dogfriendly.com
Links to various countries for regulations on bringing in animals

Next: Feist Dog Facts