Tres Tombs in Vilanova i la Geltrú

Thursday, we went to Tres Tombs in Vilanova i la Geltrú. This is a new festa (fiesta) for us but one that dates back to the thirteen hundreds. According to the Vilanova Tourism website  ‘On January 17 of each year the festival of the “Tres Tombs” is held, a festive patrimony of Catalonia, in honor of the patron saint of the town of Sant Antoni Abat. This tradition, born of a belief, of a need to look for a special festivity in consideration of an important development thanks to the work of horses, mules and donkeys…’

When Mark told us about it, we knew we had to attend. We parked our car up near Mark’s barrio (neighborhood) and as we were walking to meet him a couple of the carts went by. I should say THE cart as it is the one carrying the statue of Sant Antoni Abat, the patron saint of the town.

This would be the start of the 301 horses, mules, and donkeys that we would see. The town reported last night that ‘135 horses mounted, 32 carriages (with 55 animals), and 50 agricultural carts (with 111 animals)’ took part. Incredible. Two tables lined the route with trophies.

This guy was behaving so well as kids petted him and took his photo. The cart he was pulling was filled with the special bread that is sold for the event.

What a ham! He smiled BIG when I took his photo.

We stopped for a coffee in the town square and then back to the Rambla. The route started in a different location so while we waited for them to arrive we had time for a beer. (liquids are so important). Just as we finished our beers, the horses arrived on the Rambla. We scrambled out the door and found a spot to take in the parade.

Aren’t they gorgeous?!

 

This little guy was so adorable!

Wow is all I can say. Okay, I can say more but seriously, it was so incredible! The period dress, the different carts, the different breeds of horses, the old and the young people taking part. Traditions…they are so important here and it is one of the things we love about the culture here.