Culture & Traditions of the Camino
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The following thursday, July 25th, the St. James´ Day is celebrated, being this year's edition the 122nd in its history, nothing more and nothing less.
Many pilgrims are arriving to Compostela these days to experience the big day of Santiago. Here we leave you a small guide so you can enjoy this day and live it in an unforgettable way. With all the opening hours of the Cathedral, celebration of the Pilgrim's Mass, post offices in Santiago, Pilgrim's Office and, of course, the traditional Apostle's Fires.
¿Ready? ¡Happy St. James´ Day!
Pilgrim's Mass
This July 25, the Cathedral of Santiago will host a total of five Pilgrim Masses that will take place at 13:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00 and 19:30 hours at the main altar of the Cathedral of Santiago. At 10:30 am will take place the Solemn Mass and the National Offering by the Archbishop of Santiago, Excmo. y Rvdmo. Sr. Don Francisco José Prieto Fernández.
Cathedral of Santiago opening hours
The Cathedral of Santiago is open every day from 7:00 am to 8:30 pm. However, during the Pilgrim's Masses it will not be possible to enter for the visit.
Pick up the Compostela
On July 25 it will be possible to pick up the Compostela at the Pilgrim's Office, located at calle Carretas, 33. The schedule to pick up the Compostela is from 09:00 to 19:00 hours. We remind you that to get an appointment you need to capture the QR code that is at the entrance of the Pilgrim's Office. Once the reading is done, you will receive your turn and the approximate time at which you can enter to pick up the Compostela.
Do not forget to pre-register (available at the Oficina del Peregrino website or from the digital Credential) indicating all the necessary data to receive the Compostela.
Pilgrim service at Correos
Correos has opened the point of attention to the pilgrim in its office at Rúa do Franco, 4, just 2 minutes walk from the Plaza del Obradoiro. The schedule for this July 25, as for the rest of the week, is from 8:30 to 20:30 hours.
You can leave your backpack, bike or walking sticks in the locker while you visit the Cathedral, attend the Pilgrim's Mass and walk around the city. You can also send your luggage or your bicycle back to your place thanks to the services Paq Peregrino and Paq Bicicleta. Or take a souvenir of the Camino or the city with you in our Pilgrim's shop. And if your idea is to continue your way to Fisterra and Muxía, you can also hire the Paq Mochila, the luggage transport service from accommodation to accommodation.
Fires of the Apostle outside the Obradoiro
One of the great attractions during July 25 are the traditional Apostle's Fires, which take place the night before: July 24.
For years, a privileged few could enter the Obradoiro square to enjoy the pyrotechnic show and, lately, the audiovisual projections. The arrival of the Covid-19 to our lives in 2020 and the risk of deterioration of the roofs of the Pazo de Raxoi, led the City Council to take an unusual decision in 2022 that this year has been maintained: that the Apostle's Fires leave the Plaza del Obradoiro.
As it is customary since 2020, the fireworks of this 2023 will not take place in the Obradoiro, but will be visible from different points of the city. They will be launched from the Alameda, Cidade da Cultura, and Carlomagno's park so that the show reaches more people but avoiding crowds. During the show, which will begin at 23:30 hours, about 4,000 kilos of gunpowder will be burned and will last at least 20 minutes.
And if you are not in Santiago...
All those pilgrims who are not in Santiago can also celebrate this July 25. Prepare a recipe that reminds you of the Jacobean Route, opt for a reading of the Camino or perhaps a film with which to travel back to your pilgrimage.
To help you, in Correos Market we have created a collection dedicated exclusively to the Camino de Santiago, where you can find all kinds of items to commemorate this day. Do not hesitate to visit it!
Enjoy of Santiago
July 25th is also an unique day to enjoy Santiago de Compostela. The arrival of pilgrims merges with the local population, which on that day lives its big festival (here you can check the program of festivities for this year 2024). That is why it is a good time to discover its rich heritage, enjoy its gastronomy or get lost among the Jacobean history deposited in every stone of this World Heritage city.
From El Camino con Correos we hope you enjoy the Camino de Santiago and we wish you a happy St. James´Day.
¡Buen Camino!
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