Sue M said:
Thanks for the replies. I sing in a church choir and will try to get hold of a copy of the music.
Sue - if you want a copy of the score e mail me and I'll see what I can do.
falcon269 said:
Someone has to pay. At last report it was 300E and must be arranged about a week in advance. It swings for free only
The Botafumeiro is used for liturgical purposes (in the same way as a priest would normally incense the altar) on the following Feast Days:
The Epiphany of the Lord – 6 January
Easter Sunday
The Ascension of the Lord
The Apparition of the Apostle – 23 May
Pentecost Sunday
The Martyrdom of Saint James – 25 July
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin – 15 August
All Saints – 1 November
Christ the King
Immaculate Conception – 8 December
Birth of Jesus – 25 December
Transfer of the body of the Apostle – 30 December
Yes, these are the major feasts when the Botafumeiro is provided by the cathedral and it is used at the beginning of the mass (often 30 mins before the hour) with a procession of relics accompanied by medieval instruments - the chirimios. The Botafumeiro is also used on many other occasions when it does not have to be paid for by outside groups - for example visiting dignitaries and so on.
The people in red robes who operate the Botafumeiro are called the Tiraboleiros. It takes 8 of them to perform the task. They are paid employees of the cathedral and are not monks or priests. They have to be paid for each session of the Botafumeiro hence the charge.
In the wake of the theft medieval book the Codex Calixtinus the former Finance Director of one of Spains largest telecommunications companies has been appointed Administrator of the cathedral. He has recently revised the charges for the Botafumeiro:
For religious groups from parishes and those from schools, colleges and higher learning institutes no change: 300 euros
For groups of tourists of less than 50 people - 800 euros
For groups of tourists above 50 - 800 euros + 15 euros per person over 50
For groups from a conference, cruise ship etc - 1500 euros