San Antón is the protector of animals, pigs in particular, which would explain why years ago, Moclín celebrated its saint's day by sacrificing and feasting on one of these curly-tailed animals. The chosen swine would visit the houses in the village prior to the festival and locals would fatten it up with scraps.

This tradition has since been replaced with a less brutal activity. The villagers now contribute money (instead of leftovers) which is used to buy pork chops and sausages from the nearest cash and carry. On the saint's day, these are barbecued and eaten in the village square, where locals eat, drink and dance the night away around a bonfire.

Like any Spanish fiesta, religious activities also form a major part of the day's events. After morning Mass, a religious procession makes its way through the streets of Moclín to the saint's hermitage near the village's Arabic castle. Men carry the statue of San Antón and women carry an image of San Sebastián, accompanied by a marching band, priests, nuns and the village population.

If you're in Granada at this time, visit Moclín to catch this genuine slice of Spanish culture. Note that the event doesn't expect tourists, so the food and drink on offer at the evening party is usually enough to cater for villagers only. However, the locals' welcoming charm may mean you'll end up with a free plate of food anyway!