This post is corrected from my earlier version, to remove some erroneous information.
I read the entire thread with interest. These questions have all been answered many times over the years, in many threads. However, for those who are new to our merry band of pilgrims, here is a synopsis:
1. The Botafumeiro is a HUGE censer, used at the end of the Mass, after the final blessing has been given and the Mass is formally over. Back in the day, it was used in the beginning of the Mass, to purify the altar, and to offer all prayers up to Heaven.
Over the years, and most recently, the Celebrant - priest in charge of saying the Mass - would totally lose control over all the tourists jostling for the best position to video the Botafumeiro ceremony. This was not only highly disrespectful, it was distracting.
TOP TIP: Query Botafumeiro Santiago de Compostela on
You Tube and knock yourself out.
2. It takes eight laymen (Tiraboleiros) to stage and swing the Botafumeiro. It is heavy when empty, but when loaded with a flame breathing incense mix, it is not only heavy - but dangerous. As they are not priests, seminarians or religious brothers employed by the Cathedral, these eight men are paid a nominal fee, per use.
Traditionally, the honor of being a Tiraboleiro has been passed down from father to son over many generations.
Here is a handy link for learning everything there is to know about the Botafumeiro:
en.wikipedia.org
3. As the tiraboleiros must be paid, and the Botafumeiro does require care and upkeep, there are expenses incurred in using this device. As a rule, the Church covers the costs of using the Botafumeiro for all Catholic Holy Days and Solemnities. On all other days, someone must pay for the Botafumeiro to "fly."
Often a group, or even a single person, will want to ensure the Botafumeiro to be used at a Mass that they, their family, or group will attend. This is done by paid subscription. The Pilgrim Office handles these requests. When last I checked, the cost per use was €450. I might be wrong, but if I am off, it is not by much.
The email address to request or ask about paying to have the Botafumeiro used is:
botafumeiro@catedraldesantiago.es
4. The takeaway here is that, if you are not attending a pilgrim Mass at the Cathedral, on a designated Holy Day or Solemnity on the Catholic calendar, seeing the Botafumeiro ceremony is largely hit and miss.
It is more likely over the summer months, especially in August, and less likely outside of peak pilgrim arrival times. August is when many Spanish and Portuguese groups take their summer holidays and walk a pilgrimage as a group. The odds are greater that one or another group might pay the subscription fee to ensure they get to see the Botafumeiro ceremony.
One indicator that the Botafumeiro will likely be used is if a large Catholic-affiliated group, club, association or even a government ministry (e.g. the Spanish military, intends to attend the Mass in a large group. In this situation, and as another indicator, the group will enjoy reserved seating up front, either in the center or in one of the side apses, with a clear view of the altar, Mass, and Botafumeiro ceremony.
5. Final point on this topic, even the staff at the Pilgrim Office does not know the Botafumeiro schedule. When working as a volunteer, I am regularly asked about this. However, ONLY the staff person making the subscription reservations and processing payments knows. That person has NEVER - like ever - in my eight years as a volunteer broken that trust.
6.
Another TOP TIP: Sit in the southern or northern apse - not the center section. If the Botafumeiro is used, and you sit in the center of the Cathedral, you will only see the small portion of the arc that the Botafumeiro swings through. This is like observing something interesting whilst wearing blinders. However, if you sit in one of the apses, the Botafumeiro will swing over your head, and you can observe the full arc of swing.
7. As mentioned before, and as a final
TOP TIP, view the Botafumeiro ceremony on
You Tube. This said, and as a Cradle Catholic, I think everyone should see it in-person, at least once.
I do hope this all helps.
Ultreia!
Tom