Latest Stories

French President Emmanuel Macron (L) and French First Lady Brigitte Macron (L2) welcome the President of the Republic of Angola João Lourenço (R) and his First Lady Ana Dias Lourenço (R2) at the Elysée Palace.French President Emmanuel Macron (L) and French First Lady Brigitte Macron (L2) welcome the President of the Republic of Angola João Lourenço (R) and his First Lady Ana Dias Lourenço (R2) at the Elysée Palace.

President of the Republic of Angola João Lourenço Visits the Elysée Palace, in Paris

President of the Republic of Angola João Lourenço Visits the Elysée Palace, in Paris

Syrian disciplinary forces and military officer are seen posing for photo in front of a gathering to celebrate the Gaza ceasefire deal in Damascus. Dozens of people gathered in front of Hejaz railway station in Damascus, Syria to celebrate the ceasefire deal in Gaza between Hamas and Israel. The also protested for the illegal occupation in the south of Syria by Israel.Syrian disciplinary forces and military officer are seen posing for photo in front of a gathering to celebrate the Gaza ceasefire deal in Damascus. Dozens of people gathered in front of Hejaz railway station in Damascus, Syria to celebrate the ceasefire deal in Gaza between Hamas and Israel. The also protested for the illegal occupation in the south of Syria by Israel.

Syrians gather to celebrate the Gaza ceasefire deal in Damascus

Dozens of people gathered in front of Hejaz railway station in Damascus, Syria to celebrate the ceasefire deal in Gaza between Hamas and Israel. The rally also protests for the illegal occupation in the south of Syria by Israel.

Kristi Noem, nominee to be Secretary of Homeland Security, speaking at a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing at the U.S. Capitol.Kristi Noem, nominee to be Secretary of Homeland Security, speaking at a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing at the U.S. Capitol.

Kristi Noem at her Senate Nomination Hearing in Washington

Kristi Noem at her Senate Nomination Hearing in Washington

A protester chants calling for the release of all hostages during a protest in Tel Aviv. Israel and Hamas have agreed to a 42-day ceasefire, involving the release of 33 hostages by Hamas in exchange for 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. This development follows 15 months of conflict that began on October 7, 2023.A protester chants calling for the release of all hostages during a protest in Tel Aviv. Israel and Hamas have agreed to a 42-day ceasefire, involving the release of 33 hostages by Hamas in exchange for 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. This development follows 15 months of conflict that began on October 7, 2023.

Israel and Hamas agree to a 42-day ceasefire in Tel Aviv, Israel - 15 Jan 2025

A protestor holds up a placard with the photo of Ofer Calderon holding back her tears during a protest in Tel Aviv.

Stories by SOPA Images

Volunteers seen handing out food supply to refugees in the Idomeni camp. - Over 10,000 refugees are still stuck in the Idomeni refugee camp at the border between Greece and Macadonia. Many had been staying in the camp for over a month as they hope that the border will be reopening again for them cross into western Europe.Volunteers seen handing out food supply to refugees in the Idomeni camp. - Over 10,000 refugees are still stuck in the Idomeni refugee camp at the border between Greece and Macadonia. Many had been staying in the camp for over a month as they hope that the border will be reopening again for them cross into western Europe.

Twitter

SOPA Images Story of the month

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

Horses are seen jumping 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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.Horses are seen jumping 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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

Horses are seen jumping 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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

A white horse is seen near 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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.A white horse is seen near 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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.

A white horse is seen near 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" in honour of San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony), patron saint of animals. Every year, horses leap through bonfires in a 'purification ritual,' forging a connection between the town and its tradition of tending to livestock and agricultural practices. This equally captivating tradition offers a unique spectacle. Believed to date back over 500 years to the time of the plague, Las Luminarias serves as a purification and protection ritual for animals.