Santiago Apóstol

**Santiago Apóstol (St. James the Apostle)** is one of Spain's most significant and celebrated holidays, observed on **July 25th** each year. It honors **St. James the Apostle**, the patron saint of Spain, who is believed to have played a crucial role in the Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula. The holiday is particularly important in **Santiago de Compostela**, the capital of Galicia, where the **Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela** houses the saint's relics and serves as the final destination for pilgrims walking the **Camino de Santiago** (Way of St. James). The festivities include religious ceremonies, processions, traditional music, dancing, and fireworks. In Santiago de Compostela, the **Botafumeiro**, a large incense burner, swings dramatically inside the cathedral during special Masses. The holiday also coincides with **Galicia Day**, making it a time for regional pride and cultural celebrations. Across Spain, many towns and cities host parades, feasts, and other events to honor St. James, blending religious devotion with vibrant local traditions.