Barcelona's Tres Tombs de Sant Antoni parade, celebrating its 201st edition this Saturday, introduced a new 'magic float' as a key addition to its route. The lively day started at 10:30am in front of Escola Pia Sant Antoni with the essential opening speech, delivered by popular culture activist Toni Sànchez, and the traditional dance of the Gegants de Sant Antoni (Giants of Sant Antoni).
Half an hour later, the parade began, moving through several streets to great anticipation. A central moment of the day was the blessing of the new flag of the Federació de los Tres Tombs de Sant Antoni, also in front of Escola Pia. This was followed by a symbolic handover, with the prominent participation of the event's godmothers.
New Elements and Tradition
The emblematic event, which includes the blessing of animals, featured the debut of a float with a magical, classical aesthetic. Organisers said this brought a new scenic dimension to the Tres Tombs. Accompanied by figures dressed as princesses and involving godmothers, the float introduced a "symbolic and visual component to the celebration" while maintaining its link to tradition.
Organisers added that this initiative opens the door for future editions to include new unique proposals that will enrich the celebration. Albert Batlle, Deputy Mayor for Prevention, Security, Coexistence and Internal Affairs and Councillor for Ciutat Vella, attended the event. Jordi Valls, Deputy Mayor for Economy and Councillor for Eixample, and Pilar Díaz, the Government delegate in Barcelona, were also present.
Andreu Bernadàs, president of the Federació de los Tres Tombs de Sant Antoni, stated that the changes this year "are born from the desire to enrich the parade and incorporate new elements that connect with the public, without losing the essence of tradition." He described it as the "starting point of a new direction," aiming for the event to annually incorporate a special proposal that becomes "one of its most anticipated elements."
Historical Roots
Documented since 1825 and linked to Sant Antoni Abat, the patron saint of domestic animals, the Tres Tombs parade is one of Barcelona's most emblematic celebrations. The federation of the same name organises it, with involvement from the Germandat de Sant Antoni Abat, the Associació de Veïns de Sant Antoni, Sant Antoni Comerç, and Arca de Noé.
