San Roque celebrations and animal welfare in Latin America

The feast of San Roque, honoring the saint associated with protecting the sick and animals, is being observed through religious and community activities across Latin America.

In Bolivia, celebrations include cultural festivities in Tarija, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and religious observances such as special masses and blessings for dogs in La Paz. In Tupiza, the ‘Perrotón 2026’ event featured pet contests to raise funds for deworming campaigns and animal shelters. In Oruro, the ‘Gran Fiesta de San Roque’ includes recreational and charitable activities, such as a responsible adoption parade for 14 puppies to support shelters.

Regional animal welfare initiatives have expanded to other nations. In Argentina, neighborhoods in Belén held religious processions, masses, and baptisms. In Colombia, the Expopet 2026 event collected 36 tons of food and veterinary supplies for animals affected by earthquakes and fires. In the Dominican Republic, the Ministry of Sports launched a protection plan for dogs at facilities for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, providing veterinary care and identification via AirTags. Additionally, the DABA agency in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, is conducting free sterilization campaigns for cats and dogs.

In Paraguay, groups such as Patitas Caaguazú marked the occasion by distributing meals to stray dogs at hospitals and service stations.