Holy smoke.

[Bruce and Margaret]

Does anyone know if the Botafumeiro is operational in the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. Bruce and Margaret.

 

[Bradypus]

Not at the moment. No services in the cathedral this year while major restoration work goes on. You can still go in to hug the apostle and visit the relics in the crypt.

 

[Former member 49149]

This was posted by Bradypus on 23 Jan 2019. masses in Santiago cathedral to be suspended from Monday 28 January. I see he has responded. Sorry you guys, if you had hoped to be terrified by the botafumeiro! Are you there yet?

 

[Bruce and Margaret]

This was posted by Bradypus on 23 Jan 2019. masses in Santiago cathedral to be suspended from Monday 28 January. I see he has responded. Sorry you guys, if you had hoped to be terrified by the botafumeiro! Are you there yet?

Our next stage is from Mesón do Vento. Rest day today. 4 or 5 walking days to di

 

[Bruce and Margaret]

Our next stage is from Mesón do Vento. Rest day today. 4 or 5 walking days to do. Maybe we finish the end of next week. Doing the Camino with our caravan as a base and regular busses along the N550 gives us lots of freedom and choice.

 

[t2andreo]

The last "official" word I got regarding when things at the Cathedral would be back to normal, was an interview that the Dean of the Cathedral for all things pilgrim-related, Don Segundo, gave in August 2019. He was asked when the Cathedral would be back in full operation. His answer was likely in the first half of 2020.

This said, consider that things frequently slide backwards in Spain. This is a major undertaking and many 'oopsies' were found during the renovation that required additional time, effort, and expense to remedy. The last one was done over 150 years ago, using less effective materials. this renovation is expected to last longer than that.

Anyway, from my direct experiences working at the Pilgrim Office in Santiago, I would NOT hold my breath for the 'first-half of 2020' estimate. Someone will surely post here when the botafumeiro flies again.

What I will go on a limb to state is that, you can take to the bank that the Cathedral will be operational for the 30 December 2019 celebration of the transition (journey) of Santiago to Santiago de Compostela. That is the day the movement of his relics to Santiago is celebrated.

I imagine that the Cathedral will be officially reopened with all the pomp and circumstance that this occasion demands. The Cathedral will NOT be reconsecrated. But expect the mother of all ceremonies when the Cathedral is reopened to full liturgical operation, including the Botafumeiro.

In any event, I can almost guarantee the Cathedral will be reopened not later than 1 January 2021, the beginning of the 2021 Holy Year. Then, the Porta Santa (Holy Door) that faces out to Plaza Quintana will also be opened to those seeking repentance and mercy... This door was last opened during the special Year of Mercy proclaimed by the Pope in 2016.

Hope this helps.