1569: Havana
St. Simon Against the Ants
“Ants harass the city and ruin the crops. They have devoured more than one heavy-sleeping Christian via the navel.
In extraordinary session, Havana’s authorities resolve to ask the protection of a patron saint against the bibijaguas and other fierce ants.
Before the Reverend Alonso Alvarez, lots are drawn among the twelve apostles. The winner is St. Simon, whom they take as advocate so that he may intercede with Our Lord God, that He may remove all ants from this community, the houses and haciendas of this town, and its environs.
In return, the city will throw an annual party in honor of the blessed St. Simon, with sung vespers, Mass, compulsory-attendance procession, and bullfight.”
– from Eduardo Galeano’s Memory of Fire: Genesis