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Spain’s Luminarias: When men and horses ride through fire
A horseman jumps over a bonfire in the village of San Bartolome de Pinares in the province of Avila, Castile and Leon in central Spain, during the opening of the traditional religious festival Luminarias on January 16, 2017. (AFP)
Updated on: Jan 17, 2017 7:44 PM IST
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A horseman jumps over a bonfire in the village of San Bartolome de Pinares in the province of Avila, Castile and Leon in central Spain, during the opening of the traditional religious festival Luminarias on January 16, 2017. (AFP)
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The tradition is nearly 500 years old. (AFP)
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It is meant to purify animals and protect them for the year ahead. (AP)
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The ritual is in honour of Saint Anthony the Abbot, the patron saint of domestic animals. (AP)
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San Bartolome de Pinares is about 100 km west of Madrid, Spain. (AFP)
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A horseman jumps over a bonfire... (AFP)
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One can only marvel at the skill needed to avoid getting burnt. (AFP)
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A horseman jumps over a bonfire...all fire and heat. (AFP)
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Some might see an element of animal cruelty as well. (AFP)
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To some this might look like an outdated tradition. (REUTERS)
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