Hi Annie
The 25th of July is the feast of St James the Patron Saint of Spain and of course the apostle whose memory has been the focus of Santiago de Compostela and the prilgrimage for many centuries.
The Spanish take both their saint and their celebrations very seriously and before, on and after the 25th July there are days of street parties, street entertainment, religious ceremonies, concerts - and on the vigil of the 25th - the evening of 24th July there is a service of Solemn Vespers in the Cathedral followed late in the evening at 11.30 by the "Burning of the Cathedral" - this year a magnificent sound, light and fireworks display attended by over 20,000 in the plaza outside the Cathedral. As well as fireworks etc they floated a huge and beautiful hot air balloon depicting the World above the square.
On the Sunday morning two processions begin - one from the Cathedral with the Archbishop, Chapter of Canons, the religious orders, the old orders of knights templar etc. This proceeds out one door of the church and goes round to the square to meet either the King or his representative and the all of the civic autorities with attendant representatives of the armed forces and so on. Church and State meet in front of the Cathedral and form one single procession. This then proceeds to the Cathedral for a full High Mass + botefumeiro.
Next year as a Holy Year the King himeself will attend. The Mass and other celebrations are televised on national Spanish television.
