Botafumeiro: A Ritual of the Camino de Santiago

What Is the Botafumeiro?

The Botafumeiro is the famous giant thurible used in the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. It has swung since the Middle Ages to cleanse the air when pilgrims arrived after their long Camino de Santiago journey.

Historical Reference

The Codex Calixtinus, the first Camino guidebook, calls the Botafumeiro Turibulum Magnum. This shows the ritual dates back to at least the 12th century.

The Current Botafumeiro

The present Botafumeiro was made in 1851 from silver-plated brass. It weighs 53 kilograms empty and up to 63 kilograms when full. Eight men called Tiraboleiros operate it.

How the Botafumeiro Works

After the Tiraboleiros fill it with incense and coal, the 1.5-metre-high Botafumeiro is attached to a rope by the altar. It swings in a 65-metre arc across the cathedral.

Swinging Speed and Usage

In just 90 seconds, the Botafumeiro can reach speeds of 68 km/h. It is used on special liturgical dates like Christmas and Saint James Day.

Botafumeiro Calendar of Use

• 6th January: Epiphany
• Easter Sunday
• Ascension of Our Lord (May)
• 23rd May: Apparition of the Apostle
• Pentecost Sunday
• 25th July: Feast of Saint James
• 15th August: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin
• 1st November: All Saints’ Day
• Feast of Christ the King (November)
• 8th December: Immaculate Conception
• 25th December: Christmas Day
• 30th December: Arrival of the Holy Apostle

Check the cathedral’s official website for calendar updates and to book a Botafumeiro performance.

Contact Information for Booking

Requests can be made at the Pilgrims Office:

Address: Rúa Carretas, 33, CP 15705, Santiago de Compostela

Phone: +34 981 568 846

Email: [email protected]

Website: peregrinossantiago.es

Description of the Botafumeiro

The Botafumeiro hangs from a pulley system installed in 1604 in the cathedral’s dome. The current vessel is brass and bronze alloy plated with thin silver. The goldsmith José Losada created the present Botafumeiro in 1851. It weighs 80 kg and stands 1.6 metres tall, making it the largest swinging thurible in the world. Usually, it is displayed in the cathedral’s library but is brought down for important religious celebrations.

The Alcachofa Thurible

Another large censer used in the cathedral is known as “La Alcachofa” or “The Artichoke.” Craftsman Luis Molina Acedo created it in 1971.

Ropes and Operation Details

The ropes last around 20 years but sometimes need earlier replacement due to wear. They initially used hemp or esparto grass ropes, but since 2004, they have switched to synthetic ones.

The Tiraboleiros fill the Botafumeiro or Alcachofa with about 40 kg of charcoal and incense. They then tie it to the rope with special knots and begin swinging it.

Swinging Details

The censer swings almost to the transept ceiling, reaching speeds of 68 km/h and heights of 21 metres. It arcs 65 metres between the Azabachería and Praterias doors.

The swinging lasts about 80 seconds, completing roughly 17 cycles. Each performance costs about €250 and draws many pilgrims and visitors.

The Meaning Behind the Botafumeiro

The Botafumeiro releases thick incense clouds, echoing the saying, “More incense, less nonsense.” It is a visual and spiritual highlight of the pilgrimage experience.

Who Are the Tiraboleiros?

Eight men in red robes called Tiraboleiros carry and swing the Botafumeiro. The term comes from Latin, meaning “incense carrier”. The current chief is Armando Raposo.

History of the Botafumeiro

The swinging censer tradition likely began in the 11th century to freshen the air of weary, unwashed pilgrims. Incense also symbolised prayer and protection during plagues. In the 13th century, engineers improved the pulley mechanism by adding coaxial drums, enabling wider swings than the rope alone allowed.

King Louis XI of France funded a new silver thurible in the 15th century. However, Napoleon’s troops stole it in 1809 during the Spanish War of Independence. The present Losada thurible replaced the stolen one in 1851. Skilled artisans restored it in 2006, repairing the damage and reapplying the silver plating.

Notable Accidents

Several accidents happened during swinging. Once, the Botafumeiro detached and flew out a window in 1499 during Princess Catherine of Aragon’s visit. No one reported any injuries.

In 1622, 1925, and 1937, the ropes failed, causing the Botafumeiro to fall or spill hot coals. Today, they secure it with sailor’s knots to prevent accidents.

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