10 January 2026 SPAIN Peniscola (will leave the graffiti until tomorrow)

Last night out clubbing

Walk into town for coffee and a bit of shopping then back for lunch.

These rubbish bins are nicely hidden away like it.

These would make a lot of pigeon pie.

Something Special on today so a cycle up into the old town then searching out the event.

Very interesting.

The “Descent from the tree” for Sant Antoni in Peñíscola refers to a unique tradition during the Saint Anthony festivities (January) where a large, decorated pine tree is climbed, and participants (often young men) descend it, symbolizing a joyful, daring act within the broader celebrations of bonfires, blessings of animals, and processions honoring St. Anthony the Great, patron saint of animals. It’s a key event in the town’s historic celebrations, distinct from the typical romerías (pilgrimages) to the Ermita de San Antonio.

What it involves:

• The Tree:A tall pine tree, often decorated and erected in a central location.
• The Climb & Descent:Young men (and sometimes others) climb the tree and then descend in a festive, sometimes chaotic, manner.
• The Festivities:This descent is part of larger events that include:
  • Bonfires (Fogueres):Lit on Saturday night for feasting and celebration.
  • Animal Blessing:On Sunday, animals and horses are blessed.
  • Parades:Decorated carriages and cavalry parade through the old town

Not sure this was happy about all the horses !