In the last two weeks of July, Santiago de Compostela celebrates its most significant festival: the St James Festival or the Apostle Festival (Festas do Apóstolo). St James is the patron saint of Santiago de Compostela and Galicia, which means St James Day is also Galicia Day and a holiday in the region.
Many pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago aim to reach Santiago de Compostela on 25th July, St James Day. When St James’ Day falls on a Sunday, it will be considered a ‘holy’ or ‘xacobeo’ year. If you are planning your Camino de Santiago in July and arriving in the city after the 15th of July, you should stay in Santiago for a few days to enjoy this unique festival. As the capital of Galicia, Santiago de Compostela attracts pilgrims and many Galicians on those dates.
The St James Festival celebrations in Santiago combine religious and traditional elements with contemporary music, theatre, entertainment, and a wide range of cultural events, filling the city’s old town and its main squares.
From free concerts by important artists to traditional music and dance, visiting Santiago de Compostela in July will reveal a unique and special side of the city and give you a close insight into Galician culture.
One of the most iconic events is the firework display on St James’ Day Eve. On 24th July at midnight, locals and visitors gather at the Praza do Obradoiro to enjoy the traditional fireworks and display projected on the facade of Santiago Cathedral.
On July 25th, St James Day, Santiago Cathedral hosts its High Mass, usually attended by the king or a member of the Spanish Royal family. It is one of the special dates for seeing the ‘botafumeiro‘ in use. On St James Day each year, many Galicians also travel to Santiago to celebrate the Galician language and culture.
The St James festival in Santiago de Compostela is officially closed with fireworks on 31st July.
You can find the full schedule of events for this year’s St James Festival, Festas do Apostolo, on the Santiago Turismo website, always packed with useful information: www.santiagoturismo.com
For more information about the Camino de Santiago, the best time to travel, or to book your Camino walk, contact us.
