Spain Horses Festival


Horse and rider jump over burning pyres in the central Spanish village of San Bartolome de Pinares to open the celebrations for the feast of Saint Anthony, patron saint of animals, 16 January 2008. Since time immemorial, the horses' owners have urged them to run through burning pyres, religious folklore deeming the process will cleanse the village of disease. AFP PHOTO/PHILIPPE DESMAZES

La Fenice theatre

Spanish Riding School