'Luminarias' -- a fiery tradition
What seems to be smoldering special effects in an action-packed movie is in actuality -- an annual religious celebration.
On the night before the festival of Saint Anthony, Spanish villagers observe the patron saint of animals by riding their horses through the narrow streets set ablaze in the small town of San Bartolome de los Pinares to purify and protect their steeds with the smoke from the flames.
The long-established tradition known as 'Luminarias' dates back 500 years. And while the custom's origin remains unknown, many presume it was introduced as a way to help ailing animals.
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