CHoosing the time

[SRutledge]

Last April I walked from Sarria to Santiago and it was an incredible experience,The only minor complaint I had was I did not get to see the botafumero even tho I went to three masses. I hope to go on another Camino in 2019, and I’m trying to decide between going in April Easter, or in July for the feast of Saint James. I’m guessing the latter will be much busier. But I’m sure that on either of these dates I will get to see the botafumeiro ! Any advice or guidance about either of these options?

 

[Jo Jo]

Possibly you hit the time the botafumero was out of commission. See this thread https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...-in-2018-for-building-work.51700/#post-567962.

However, either of those services (Easter or St. James day) should see the Botafumero in action assuming that it is operable. See http://catedraldesantiago.es/en/liturgy/#botafumeiro

If you have your choice of dates to walk, I'd walk in October to hit hit All Saints Day on Nov. 1--botafumero swings, and the weather is much cooler. July is very hot, especially if you are walking all the way from SJPP (and therefore across La Rioja and the Meseta). Easter, as you know, is rainy and can be quite cold (October can be cold too, but I've walked to SdC arriving the end of October and it was very pleasant--no jacket required).

Buen Camino,
Jo JO

 

[SRutledge]

Oh no when I went in April, interior renovations were not happening. People saw the a swinging in masses the day before I came and the next day. Which just my bad luck. In September I had a friend over there and she said the renovations were going on inside. I have to believe they want to pilgrims to come during this peak months next year so I’m sure that it’ll be done by then. Yes I know fall would be cooler and pleasant but I don’t know if I can wait another year. Also I am looking at the Portuguese way so the meseta not issue

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

The only minor complaint I had was I did not get to see the botafumero even tho I went to three masses.

It's not about the Botafumeiro , why complain ??

 

[SRutledge]

Thank you.

 

[SRutledge]

It's not about the Botafumeiro , why complain ??

Thank you for your practical advice. Each of us has a special reason to go. I went on behalf of my late (Spanish) husband - he would have loved to see the botafumeiro. It was disappointing but no it did not detract from my experience. But if i do return I hope to arrange things so I do see it swing. Is that so wrong?

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Thank you for your practical advice. Each of us has a special reason to go. I went on behalf of my late (Spanish) husband - he would have loved to see the botafumeiro. It was disappointing but no it did not detract from my experience. But if i do return I hope to arrange things so I do see it swing. Is that so wrong?

I did not say that it is wrong .
Wish you well , Peter .

 

[SRutledge]

I did not say that it is wrong .
Wish you well , Peter .

it was 'complain' that implied a criticism thanks for clarifying