Celebrating St. James

July 25th Spain celebrates its patron saint festivity

According to legend, it was the discovery of the remains of Saint James the Apostle that led to the creation of the Galician capital. Santiago de Compostela would soon become a holy city on a par with Jerusalem and Rome, as well as a site of pilgrimage that eventually gave rise to the Way of Saint James, which nowadays has World Heritage status.

The festivities celebrated in honor of the patron saint of Spain and Galicia reach their peak during what is known as the Apostle's Fires, the offering to the Saint and the exciting ceremony when the 'botafumeiro' or giant incense burner is swung through the cathedral.

Santiago de Compostela is a beautiful, charming, and World Heritage City where gastronomy is also admired for the quality of its ingredients. Learn more about Santiago de Compostela here.

And what about food? Nothing better to celebrate St. James than the typical "Pulpo a Feira" (octopus in olive oil with potatoes) and mussels in pickled sauce. Check the recipes here.

Enjoy the day!