Festivals in Santiago de Compostela

This celebration in honour of St. James the Great is of enormous importance throughout Spain, as he is the patron saint of Spain. However, one of the places where it is most important is in the city of Santiago de Compostela.

The festival, which lasts approximately 15 days, takes place during the second half of July. Initially, it was a solemn and majestically ecclesiastical occasion, but over the centuries it became a popular event.
 

The big days are July 24 and 25. At dawn on July 24, an impressive fireworks display is held in honour of St. James the Great. It can be seen from all parts of the city. On the morning of July 25, a solemn mass is held in the majestic Cathedral of Santiago, full of ceremonial mysticism. In this mass, the “botafumeiro”—a gigantic incense burner that sways in the cathedral—can be seen in operation.

Throughout those 15 days, there are activities and events of all kinds, including theatre, dance, gastronomic festivals, a picturesque exhibition of folkloric costumes and the traditional meeting of musical bands.