St James the Apostle

When is it celebrated

The religious festival of Santiago Apóstol has a fixed date: 25 July. In Santiago de Compostela the novena and the popular celebrations begin earlier, with special intensity during the eve of the 24th and the solemnity of the 25th; The specific calendar is published in each edition.

Is it a holiday or a working day?

It is not automatically a public holiday throughout Spain. The regulations allow the autonomous communities to opt for Santiago Apóstol within the annual configuration of their festivals, so you must consult the calendar for each territory and year. In 2026, Galicia chose 25 July as National Day of Galicia, mandatory and non-recoverable in the community; The fact that that year falls on a Saturday does not expand its territorial scope.

Origin and geographical link

It is a Catholic solemnity celebrated in numerous places in Spain, with its main Spanish reference in Santiago de Compostela. The Compostela tradition links the city with the discovery of the remains attributed to the apostle and with the development of the Camino de Santiago; In Galicia, the date also coincides with its National Day.

Regular events

In Compostela, the Cathedral services – novena, vespers, solemn mass, National Offering and pilgrim masses – are combined with the Fires of the Apostle and an urban programme of concerts, dance, theatre, parades and popular activities. The botafumeiro is part of the solemn ceremony announced for this date, but the times and events must be confirmed in the current programme.

Usual duration of events

The central liturgical celebration takes place on 25 July and the eve concentrates one of the most visible festive moments. In Santiago de Compostela the set of festivals usually covers approximately the second half of July, while the religious preparation includes a novena; the exact length varies depending on the edition.

Traditions and history

Jacobean tradition attributes the origin of the sanctuary and the pilgrimage to Compostela to the discovery of the apostolic tomb. Among the most recognisable customs are the arrival of pilgrims, the vesper fires, the solemn mass and the National Offering, established in 1643 during the reign of Philip IV. When 25 July falls on a Sunday, the Compostela Holy Year is celebrated, a circumstance different from the work condition of the date.

Where is it celebrated

It is celebrated in parishes and municipalities dedicated to Santiago in different parts of Spain. The focus of greatest projection is Santiago de Compostela: the Cathedral hosts the liturgical events and the Offering, while the Plaza del Obradoiro and other spaces in the city receive popular programming.

Who participates

The council and the Compostela archdiocese, authorities involved in the National Offering, the City Council and tourist and cultural organisations responsible for the programming, artists and associations participate. They are joined by faithful, pilgrims of the Camino, residents and visitors; Outside of Compostela, parishes and local communities take part in celebrating the apostle.