Festival of St. James the Apostle

The best Galician event of the year is held in Santiago de Compostela on 25th July- the Festival of St. James. It is a meeting point for ancient trails and European traditions. All Galician festivals and “romerías” represent an ancient call to gather around sacred and profound elements that contain a heavy sense of symbolism. At midnight on the eve of the Day of the Apostle, a fantastic fireworks display is held in Obradoiro Square, including the traditional “burning of the Cathedral façade”. The fantasy of lights, colour and creativity brings out the full force of the Baroque stonework that typifies the city’s architectural heritage. On the morning of the 25th a solemn offering is made to the Apostle in the cathedral, followed by a parade around the streets featuring giant headed figures accompanied by traditional music and concerts in the city’s squares. “Romerías” and festivities take place in the carballeiras, under a canopy of centuries-old oak trees. The Festival of the Apostle is the synthesis and essence of Galician sentiment, a call and convergence for solidarity in a historic setting. An event not to be missed and a great opportunity to visit Santiago during the summer holidays.