Festivity in honour of Saint James the Apostle

24 Jul 2024 - 25 Jul 2024

Festivities in honour of Saint James the Apostle

Name: Festivities in honour of Saint James the Apostle
Start: 2024-07-24T00:00
End: 2024-07-25T13:49
Location: Festivities in honour of Saint James the Apostle

Festivity of International Tourist Interest

Santiago de Compostela

A Coruña

Santiago de Compostela

The festivities in honour of the patron saint of Spain and Galicia reach their peak during the so-called 'Fireworks of the Apostle', the Offering to the Saint and the moving ceremony in which the botafumeiro (incense burner) of the Cathedral is swung.

The appearance of the remains of James the Apostle led to the creation of the Galician capital, according to legend. Santiago de Compostela soon became a holy city along with Jerusalem and Rome, and a pilgrimage destination, resulting in the Camino de Santiago (World Heritage).

July 25 is the Day of Santiago, but the festivities begin about ten days earlier when a complete program of exhibitions, theatrical performances, street shows and musical concerts take place. At twelve in the morning on the 24th, the cathedral bells announce what will happen that same night. The Obradoiro square is filled with light and color in a spectacle that transports the visitor to a magical world. Most striking are the multidimensional video projections on the Cathedral, which seems to come to life. It is also a tradition to light a firework display that mirrors the façade. The festival also features regional dances and traditional bagpipe music. Concerts and street parties fill every corner of the city to celebrate the Day of Santiago. The Offering to the Saint and the botafumeiro take place in the Cathedral. It is an immense incense burner that flies at full speed through the minor transept of the cathedral and fills the entire space with incense.