El Camino de Santiago

I was soooo excited to sleep in!!!

I woke up just in time for a shower and breakfast.

I walked back down to the Cathedral for the 12 noon pilgrim mass where they swing the Botafumeiro -

History of the Botafumeiro

One tradition is that the use of a swinging censer in the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral began in the 11th century. Arriving pilgrims were tired and unwashed. Incense smoke was also believed to have a prophylactic effect during plagues and epidemics. Of course, incense burning is also an important part of the liturgy, an “oration to God” or a form of prayer.

The Botafumeiro is used for liturgical reasons, in the same way as a priest would use a censer at the altar. It operates during the Cathedral's main solemnities during the entrance procession or at the end of the Eucharist. The purpose of this great censer is to symbolise the true attitude of the believer.

It’s a dramatic tradition in this Cathedral and I am soo happy I got to witness it in person!

You can walk around and visit the cathedral and row picture when there is no mass.

When there is mass about 20 minutes before they tell you no cell phone use etc. and non walking around.

I will hangout in Santiago for two days celebrating and enjoying this city.

Off to Finstera ( which was thought to went end of the world) we are in Galicia and this is the seafood capital of the need of the world! Then back to Santiago for night.

Then two nights in Madrid! Where I ate and drank good food and wine!

I’m
Coming 🏠 home.Read more