The festival started last weekend with the Engrescada, but the main events begin on Friday, January 16, with the ringing of bells. This day includes the Gran Festa Infantil (Great Children's Festival) featuring Xiula and the proclamation, delivered this year by architect Josep Llinàs, followed by a concert by the Orquestra Händel.
The central day, Saturday, January 17 (the feast of Sant Antoni Abat), will concentrate the most emblematic acts: the Canonada Matinera, the Missa Major, the Tres Tombs (Three Turns), and the traditional blessing of animals. In the afternoon, the Cursa de Pallassos i Pallasses Joan Busquets and the Albert Iturria Photography Contest awards will take place.
The celebration will be filled with fire during the Nit del Foc (Night of Fire), which includes a children's correfoc, spoken devil dances, a drum parade (tabalada), and the grand correfoc through the central streets.
On Sunday, January 18, one of the highlights will be the Traditional Cós de Sant Antoni, declared a Traditional Festive Element of National Interest, held at the equestrian circuit in the parc de la Torre d’en Dolça. The program extends until January 25 with gastronomic tastings, exhibitions, the comedy show No me toques el cuento, and a concert by Diego Guerrero, nominated for a Latin Grammy.
