Fiestas of Saint James Santiago De Compostela

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Fiestas of Saint James Santiago de Compostela

On 25 July , Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia, celebrates Saint James' Day, a festival declared to be of International Tourist Interest. The patron saint of Spain and Galicia converts this city, a World Heritage Site, into the site of a unique event. A full cultural and leisure programme has its final flourish with the Fire of the Apostle, the Offering to the Saint and the Botafumeiro (a huge incense burner) in the Cathedral. An exceptional occasion to get to know the old part of the city of Santiago de Compostela, be so bold as to carry out a stage of the Route and, of course, try the exquisite gastronomy of Coruña.

Legend has it that the discovery of the remains of Saint James was the origin of this city, which would soon become a centre of pilgrimages and a holy city alongside Jerusalem and Rome. Later on, the Medieval kings chose the figure of the saint as a standard in the fight against the Muslims during the Reconquest, and hence he was proclaimed patron saint of Spain. The city of Santiago experienced centuries of splendour thanks to the influx of pilgrimages who arrived here after completing any of the routes which crossed Europe in those days. The Route to Santiago, together with the city of Santiago de Compostela, is today a World Heritage Site, and has historic and artistic Routes.

Culture and Festival

Two weeks before 25 July, Santiago begins to warm up with a packed programme of exhibitions, theatrical performances, street shows and music concerts. Religious themes alternate with folklore, as this date is also the celebration of the Galician Homeland Day. Strolling through medieval streets, looking at churches and palaces, and admiring the monumental façade of the cathedral from Obradoiro Square takes on a festive spirit during this time.

On 24 July, at twelve noon, the cathedral bells ring out to announce what is to come. That same night is the occasion for the Fires of the Apostle, an impressive firework display which fills the Santiago night sky with colour and smoke. And as a backdrop, the marvellous silhouette of the main façade of the Cathedral. The climax is reached with the firework display on the façade. Pyrotechnics go hand in hand with light and sound shows, with position of honour going to regional music and dances, and the bagpipers. We have the whole night ahead of us to enjoy music concerts and festivals in every corner of the city. We will find the most bustling activity later on in Rua do Franco and La Alameda.

The Day of Santiago itself is witness to the Offering to the Saint and the Botafumeiro (a huge incense burner). It is one of the largest spectacles of these festivals, which can also be seen every Sunday in Holy Year (when 25 July falls on a Sunday). A huge botafumeiro swings at great speed across the smaller transept of the cathedral while expert handlers known as tiraboleiros guide its movement with ropes. The inside of the cathedral fills with incense while the botafumeiro almost touches the vaults.

El Pórtico de la Gloria (The Glory Entrance)

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Inside the cathedral it is compulsory to follow tradition. In the Pórtico de la Gloria we must knock our head against the figure of Master Mateo to gain wisdom and prudence. This entrance is the façade of the primitive Romanesque church which was later surrounded by the baroque one. It is believed that the architect created an image of himself in the rear part of the mullion which bears the Saint. The master was known as the “Saint of the Cockles” because of the curls in his hair, which were reminiscent of cockles. Awaiting us in the high altar is a bust of the Apostle Santiago, whom we must embrace.

Compostela, in addition to its charisma as a place of pilgrimage, is a young and modern city thanks to its university character, full of cyber-cafés and exhibition halls nestled in the most beautiful corners of the old town. Around Obradoiro Square we have some of the most important venues, such as the Royal hospital, today a Parador, the Gelmírez palace and the cathedral museums. Without going much further away, we can also visit the Museum of the Collegiate Church of the Sar, the Museum of the Galician People, the Pilgrimage Museum and the House- Museum of la Troya. If we want to stay in the Galician capital during the festivals, it is a good idea to book well in advance, as this is a very popular destination.

To feel like pilgrims we can leave Santiago via the route leading to Finisterre, which is where the pilgrim travellers burnt their clothes, bathed in the sea and began their journey home. And there is still another jewel of Galician culture for us to get to know: its gastronomy. During the fiestas of the Apostle, you can sample it is easy to sample such Saint James' products as scallops, slipper lobsters and Santiago tart. In addition, seafood and fish from the estuaries, parsnip tops from Santiago and Padrón peppers, make up one of the most varied tables in Galicia. And all of this accompanied by wines from one of the four Galician Denominations of Origin.