2005 © Oficina Virtual de Turismo
2nd fortnight in July - Apostle day: July 25th
Declared of International Tourist Interest.
The festivities dedicated to the Apostle, the patron saint of Santiago, of
Galicia and of all of Spain, last for about a fortnight. This festival combines
religious and official solemnity, tradition and entertainment, which turn the
entire city into a large fiesta.
July 24th and 25th are the two main days. On the night of
July 24th there is an impressive firework display in honour of the
Apostle.
On July 25th, during the High Mass that is held in the Cathedral,
the king or a representative of the Royal Household, makes the traditional
offering to the Apostle James. During this mass, the ‘botafumeiro’ (spectacular
giant censer) can be seen swinging through the Cathedral. July 25th is
also Galicia Day, with events bringing thousands of Galicians to the city.
This fortnight’s cultural activities stand out because of their quality and
diversity. All kinds of music, dance and theatre, pasacagglias, open-air
dances, gathering of music bands, exhibitions of regional costumes and
folkloric dances, etc. fill Compostela. The festival ends on July 31st
with another great fireworks display.
+Info:
www.santiagoturismo.com
www.santiagodecompostela.org
www.compostelacultura.org
|
|