Nicaraguans and their dogs receive St Lazarus blessings | AFP

Dressed in colourful costumes and with ribbons tied around their heads or necks, hundreds of dogs received the blessing of Saint Lazarus - the protector of animals and the sick in Nicaragua - along with their owners. Locals have been putting their faith in the healing powers of Saint Lazarus since the 19th century, when a deadly cholera epidemic struck Nicaragua.

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