The statue of St Anthony the Abbot being carried on a horse-drawn cart.

Xagħra last Sunday celebrated the annual traditional feast of St Anthony the Abbot.

The programme included a concelebrated Mass by Gozo bishop Mario Grech at the chapel dedicated to the saint at the Tal-Qaċċa area, and street marches by the Victory Band of Xagħra.

In the morning, archpriest Mgr Carmelo Refalo blessed horses in St Anthony Square and the statue of St Anthony was carried on a cart drawn by two horses to the parish church.

In the afternoon, there was a dog show in the square. Following vespers at the parish church, Mgr Grech led a procession with the statue accompanied by the Victory Band.

On arrival at St Anthony Square, the bishop blessed pets presented by children and adults.

A religious ceremony at the chapel of St Anthony the Abbot brought celebrations to an end.