Horses ride through bonfires to celebrate patron saint of animals

The religious celebration sees men ride their horses through bonfires in the village of San Bartolome de los Pinares on the eve of St Anthony's Day - in honour of the patron saint of animals.

Known as 'Las Luminarias' Festival, which dates back around 500 years, the custom is said to purify and protect the animal throughout the coming year.

It's origins are relatively unknown but it is believed to have begun in a time when animals began falling unnaturally ill.

Although there are obvious dangers posed to the horse and rider, locals of the village 62 miles northwest of Madrid insist animals are never hurt.

Tree branches are gathered and built in the days leading up to the annual January 16th event, where horses jump through flames until midnight when riding stops, while drink and eating last until dawn. 

(dailymail.co.uk)