For those visiting or based in Rome, the annual spectacle at St. Peter’s Square on the morning of January 17 is one not to be missed. Animal owners and breeders from all over Italy come to Rome with their horses, cattle and every type of pet you can imagine (even turtles) to receive a special blessing on the Feast Day of St. Anthony the Abbot, patron and protector of men and animals. The dedication to St. Anthony the Abbot is very popular in the Italian regions of Piedmont and Abruzzo, where rural traditions are still strong. It’s common there to find images and statues of the saint in the stables or fields to protect farmers, the herds and crops. The feast date after the winter break also follows the farming cycle.

In Rome, the Italian Breeders’ Association creates a special Fattoria sotto il cielo (farm under the sky) in front of St. Peter’s Square with a grand selection of farmyard animals including cattle, sheep, goats, chickens and horses. As has been the tradition for the past 12 years, Cardinal Angelo Comastri (Archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica) offers a blessing to the crowds of people and animals gathered in Piazza Pio XII after the 10:30 AM celebration of Holy Mass inside St. Peter’s Basilica.

This year’s festival is strongly focused on the farming family and respect for Creation, reflecting the importance of community and solidarity amongst farming populations (especially remote ones). Many Italian farmers are still suffering the consequences of the earthquakes in Central Italy and are particularly remembered today. Event organizer and president of the Italian Association of Livestock Farmers (AIA) Roberto Nocentini said, “We know that our work gives continuity to the sacrifices made by our families and often it is the legacy we leave to our children…. Our 'testament' towards the younger generations is also made of conservation of a very rich animal biodiversity, of healthy and quality productions, of guarantees of respect for the environment and for the livestock. These values ​​are fundamental for us and we are proud to be able to share them, not only on this particular day for us, but constantly, in every day of our working life at the service of the community.”

The open air exhibition of animals is open to the public from about 9.00 AM to 3:00 PM. People are invited to bring their animals, not just for a blessing, but to take advantage of the free checkups offered by veterinarians. Some streets around the Vatican are also closed due to the midday procession of the Carabinieri Regiment on horseback along Via della Conciliazione. The Carabinieri are welcomed at St. Peter’s Square by the crowds and greeted by Card. Comastri who is always visibly delighted to take part in the annual celebrations.