The statue of St. Anthony the pig is a lovely greeting from the departed centuries (9 photos)
The medieval tradition of communal pig keeping is honored with this beautiful granite sculpture. 
La Alberca is a cozy, classic medieval village, recognized in Spain as a National Historic Site. And part of this tradition is an officially blessed pig that lives on the streets for six months every year, supported by voluntary donations from residents. 
The pig, known as El Marrano de San Antón, or "St. Anthony's Pig," is blessed and released into the village on July 13, the feast day of St. Anthony of Padua. With a bell around its neck, it spends several months roaming the streets, feeding off anyone and often ending up in someone's home for the night. 
The pig's wondrous freedom ends on January 17, the feast day of Saint Anthony of Egypt (whose shrine is on the outskirts). Historically, on this day, a pig was given as a gift to the poorest family in the village. However, now the pig is given away in a day-long ceremony, with the proceeds going to a chosen charity or NGO. Local delicacies from this pig-rich region, such as black ham, pork tenderloin and chorizo, can be found in traditional tapas bars. 
The pig's abrupt transformation from revered resident to food source is not the only unpleasant aspect of this otherwise heartfelt tradition. Its origins apparently date back to the Spanish Inquisition, when Jewish and Muslim residents of La Alberca were eager or even required to prove the sincerity of their forced conversion to Christianity by publicly raising a non-kosher/non-halal animal. 
The statue, erected in honor of the many Marranos de San Anton, is located in the square in front of the village's parish church. Historically, childless couples looking to have children rub the parts of the statue designated for childbirth for good luck. 
