Five regions of Spain will celebrate St. James’s Day on July 25
On July 25, Madrid, Cantabria, Galicia, Navarre and the Basque Country will celebrate Saint James Day (Day of Santiago). One of the most revered disciples of Christ is considered the patron saint of Spain and Galicia, as well as tanners, veterinarians and cavaliers. In 2024, the holiday falls on Thursday, so residents of the listed regions will have a long weekend (until July 28).
In Galicia, where St. James the Apostle is considered the patron saint, the Fiestas del Apóstol Santiago is celebrated constantly and coincides with the National Day of Galicia. The remaining regions decide on the celebration each year when drawing up the working calendar.
The main celebrations in honor of Saint James Day will take place in the city of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. It is the end point of the famous Camino de Santiago, because it is here, in the cathedral, that the tomb of the Apostle is located.
In 2024, festivities will begin on July 19th. During the week, the city will host fairs, knightly tournaments, concerts, drone shows, a costume contest, and open-air film screenings. And on July 24, a procession of giants and a night pyrotechnic show are planned. The full program of events can be found on the city council website.
The morning of July 25th traditionally begins with a solemn mass in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. During it, the King of Spain or a delegate of the royal house makes the National Offering to St. James. After the service, a festive procession and concerts are planned in Galeras Park and Quintana Square.
The events dedicated to the St. James’s Day will continue in Santiago de Compostela until Wednesday 31 July. The fun will culminate with a party with a pyrotechnic show in Alameda Park.
In most regions of Spain that have decided to celebrate Saint James Day in 2024, celebrations will be limited to solemn masses. But in the municipality of Collado-Villalba (province of Madrid), from July 15, a festival is held in honor of the Fiestas del Apóstol Santiago. Its program includes a fair with attractions, theater and dance performances, competitions, entertainment for children and many concerts. The celebrations will last until July 28. More information about the holiday can be found on the municipality’s website.
Historical reference:
James Zebedee, called Santiago in Spain, was one of the 12 apostles. After the execution of Jesus, James and his seven assistants began evangelizing in northwestern Spain — in present-day Galicia. In 42, by order of Herod Agrippa, king of Judea, the apostle was beheaded in Jerusalem. According to legend, his body was placed in a boat and floated on the waves of the Mediterranean Sea. Miraculously, she sailed to Spain and was thrown onto the banks of the Sar River in the city of Iria Flavia. Jacob’s body was found by his disciples and taken to Mount Libredon, where they were buried. In 813, a hermit monk, following a guiding star, discovered a tomb with relics that remained incorrupt. Subsequently, the city of Santiago de Compostela arose on this site (translated from Latin, Campus Stellae — «Place designated by a star»). The relics of St. James are the greatest relic of Spain, and Santiago de Compostela is the third most important shrine of Catholicism, second only to Jerusalem and Rome.
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