Botafumeiro out of action for repairs

[Bradypus]

The cathedral has temporarily stopped the use of the Botafumeiro while urgent repair work is done to its mountings. La Voz de Galicia reports that the intention is to have it back in use next week if possible.

https://www.lavozdegalicia.es/notic...-obliga-detener-vuelo/0003_201711S11C3991.htm

 

[Kiwi-family]

That’s one situation where it’s worth playing it safe, don’t you think?

 

[Bradypus]

That’s one situation where it’s worth playing it safe, don’t you think?

Absolutely The article says that one of the tiraboleiros reported feeling an unusual movement while the botafumeiro was being used. The decision was taken to stop the use of the botafumeiro until the mechanism could be fully inspected and any repair work carried out. A precautionary measure but who would want to do otherwise?

 

[simeon]

When I saw the title I thought it would be for longer. Great that it's only for a short time. It truly is awesome (in the proper sense)

 

[t2andreo]

Yikes, failing mountings...THAT could cause a very interesting Botafumeiro ceremony!

Better they fix it now. I wonder if they noticed the abnormality while workers were in the dome doing restoration work? They were putting up scaffolding in the general area when I last left, in mid-August.

Please keep this thread updated... In the meantime, you can see the Botafumeiro "fly" on You Tube... Follow this link:

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=botafumeiro+santiago+de+compostela

I hope this helps...

 

[Isobeljc]

We were privileged to see it swing at the noon mass on All Saints Day, 10 days ago. The day after we completed our pilgrimage.

Even getting into the cathedral an hour early, we had to sit on the steps at the exit it was that busy.

What made the service even more special was that a fellow pilgrim we met (who happens to be a priest), took part in the processional and spoke the English sections.

Check out my pic, we really had a prime position. Unfortunately the video file is too big to upload.

 

[Kieran Kenneally]

That’s one situation where it’s worth playing it safe, don’t you think?

Thought it was a wind up for a moment but then there is no smoke without fire

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

Without repair I could only imagine, over time, it becoming a missile across the church. Glad they are taking care of it now.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Definitely something you would like to be fully and correctly maintained. Although I do recall reading about it breaking away, but can't recall what damage it did!!

 

[Bradypus]

Definitely something you would like to be fully and correctly maintained. Although I do recall reading about it breaking away, but can't recall what damage it did!!

According to Wikipedia there have been a number of accidents over the centuries. The most spectacular seems to have been during a royal visit when it came off the rope and flew straight through the window in the south transept! No reports of any casualties that time though.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botafumeiro#Accidents

 

[Saint Mike II]

According to Wikipedia there have been a number of accidents over the centuries. The most spectacular seems to have been during a royal visit when it came off the rope and flew straight through the window in the south transept! No reports of any casualties that time though.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botafumeiro#Accidents

Thanks, that one would appear to be a failure to tie the correct knot! From the original post it appears to be repairs to the mounting (in the ceiling??). Either way its good to know that the Dean of the Cathedral and his maintenance committee are putting those donations to good use!!

 

[LesBrass]

Hello folks... I'm sat opposite the Pilgrims office resting my blisters and wondering if the botafumerio is back? Really hoping to see it tonight.