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REUTERS/Claudia Morales
BoliviaSanRoque1.JPG
REUTERS/Claudia Morales
World News

Blessings for pups as Bolivia marks patron saint of dogs

by James Lewis

Pups have received blessings in Bolivia, as the nation celebrated the patron saint of dogs. 

The Metropolitan Cathedral in La Paz joined in the tradition this year, putting on a first-of-its-kind ceremony. 

Bolivians wait in line to have their dogs blessed on the feast day (REUTERS/Claudia Morales)

Dogs and their owners were sprinkled with holy water and given a blessing on the cathedral steps, with many joining for a service inside. 

Annual celebrations for the Festival of San Roque mark the bond between the 14th century Catholic saint and a dog which supplied him with food after falling ill with the plague. 

Bolivians also marked the tradition on Sunday by dressing their pets in costumes and taking part in dog races. 

Authorities use the occasion to highlight the country’s stray dog crisis, with La Paz health officials stating that 8 in 10 street dogs have owners who allow them to roam free. 
 

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