Frigiliana, a town in Axarquia is one of the few towns in Spain that takes three images in procession during their liturgies, specifically, their Patron Saint, St.Sebastian, St.Anthony the Abbot and St.Anthony of Padula. They do this to ask for protection during the coming year and honour the saints in the New Year.
On the 20th January many towns in Malaga celebrate different saints after the bells toll and rockets are fired. In Frigiliana the three saints are placed at the door of the church and given a firework display. After this they are carried through the narrow streets. The event is planned a year in advance by appointed stewards.
Until 1967 the fair known as La Funcion was also held in honour of the Patron Saint Sebastian but because the fiesta was always spoiled by bad weather, this was moved to 13th June.
On the 13th June, St.Anthony's Day, a pilgrimage begins with the Patron Saint image being carried in a procession on a wagon pulled by oxen in remembrance of the victory of the Christians over the Moors in the Penon Battle. Once the image reaches the shrine, the day is spent in the country with picnics, music and dance. |
