San Roque festivities and animal welfare initiatives across Latin America

Various communities across Latin America are holding celebrations and initiatives centered around San Roque, the patron saint of the sick and animals. In Belén, Argentina, local neighborhoods held religious processions, masses, and baptisms to honor the saint.

In Oruro, Bolivia, the ‘Gran Fiesta de San Roque’ features recreational and charitable activities, including a responsible adoption parade for 14 puppies to support animal shelters. In Colombia, the Expopet 2026 event collected 36 tons of food and veterinary supplies to assist animals affected by earthquakes and fires.

In the Dominican Republic, the Ministry of Sports launched a protection plan for dogs residing at the facilities for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, providing veterinary care and identification via AirTags. Meanwhile, in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, the DABA agency is conducting free sterilization campaigns for cats and dogs to control the local pet population.