St. James' Day, known in Spanish as 'Día de Santiago', is a significant holiday in Spain celebrated in honor of St. James, the patron saint of Spain. The festivity is observed each year on the 25th of July. As St. James is the country's patron saint, the day is recognized as a public holiday in all parts of Spain. However, the celebrations are especially lively and grand in regions deeply tied with the historical and religious persona of St. James.
One such region is Galicia (code: GA), where it gets its own distinct recognition. Galicia's capital city Santiago de Compostela is traditionally acknowledged as the final destination of the legendary Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. The city boasts a magnificent cathedral dedicated to the saint and is believed to house his remains. On St. James' Day, thousands of pilgrims from around the world converge in Santiago de Compostela for the festive culmination of their spiritual journey.
The celebrations on St. James' Day typically involve religious ceremonies, processions, and folkloric performances, and it is customary to have large fireworks display at night. One particularly exciting event is the 'Quema del Apostol', or 'Burning of the Apostle', a spectacular pyrotechnic display that lights up the cathedral's Baroque facade. From traditional music and dance to gastronomic delights, the day provides a rich amalgamation of faith, culture, and historical homage, making St. James' Day in Galicia a unique spectacle to witness.