So it is celebrated the day of St. James

Catedral de Santiago

24 and July 25 are marked in red on the calendar of every pilgrim and Galician course. Galicia wasted during these dates a different environment full of mysticism, alive and make the community a unique place, with special attention to Santiago de Compostela. The Apostle, patron of Galicia and all Spain, thus becomes the protagonist of the festival; being the backbone of thousands of tourists and curious people from all over Galicia come to the city, or celebrate such an important date. But what we find in a day so they appointed?

Today, July 24 and during the night, we can enjoy a stunning fireworks display. The day we found most renowned on July 25, officially being the date on which  is celebrated in honor of Santiago. His Majesty the King, among a multitude of people and of course pilgrims perform their usual offering to the Apostle. The classic botafumeiro becomes one of the protagonists of the festival and the event. A moment of great emotion for all Galicians and pilgrims who for days have made El Camino. It is here mainly where that mystique that surrounds not only the history of St. James, but all of Galicia is represented. The photograph of the giant censer swinging from side to side in the cathedral and permeating the air with incense, has become one of the largest showcases the significance of this important day.

For those who do not know, it will not be until next July 25, 2021 when we can talk about the celebration of Santiago Apostle in the Holy Year, also known as Jacobean Holy Year The reason? The festival match on Sunday, something that happened last in 2010. Reached the Holy Year, and of course the July 25, indulgence is granted to all the faithful who meet certain conditions: Visit the Cathedral of Santiago (also including the Mother Church of Santiago de Los Caballeros and Gáldar in the Canary Islands); say a prayer; attend Mass and finally receive confession and receive communion.

To be more precise, such an important day is accessed through the imposing Cathedral of the Holy Door, a moment that brings an even more mystical and important to the festival air. In short, whether or not Jacobean Holy Year, on 24 and 25 July visit Galicia - and specifically Santiago - it becomes a little more than essential task. The atmosphere that surrounds the community and the opportunity to learn about their culture are more than enough reasons to do so.