In photos: Bolivia celebrates feast day of Saint Roch, the patron saint of dogs

On August 16, Bolivia celebrated the feast day of Saint Roch. In this photo, a dog wearing a shark costume competes in a costume contest at an event celebrating the feast day of Saint Roch in La Paz, Bolivia, on Aug 16, 2022. (Photo credit: AP)

The annual festival is held in honour of the 14th century French noble Saint Roch who is known as the patron saint of dogs. Here, a dog dressed as an Ewok from the movie series 'Star Wars' is seen. (Photo credit: AP)

According to legends, Saint Roch travelled in Europe to care for plague victims and became the patron of dogs. He appears in images accompanied by a dog. (In photo: A person dressed as a chef walks a dog in a hotdog bun costume. Photo credit: AP)

Every year, people dress up their dogs in fancy costumes and compete in neighbourhood events. For instance, this dog is wearing a Cholita costume to compete in an event in La Paz, Bolivia. (Photo credit: AP)

Though it is primarily meant for dogs, an occassional feline makes its appearance too. Here, a cat wears a nurse costume in La Paz, Bolivia. (Photo credit: AP)

The day also sees marches against dog abuse. (In photo: A child dressed as Snow White leads a dwarf costume-wearing dog during a costume contest. Photo credit: AP)