When is the Botafumeiro used?

The Botafumeiro (‘censer’ in Galician) is one of the most famous and popular symbols of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. It is a large censer that swings from the central dome of the Cathedral, from which it hangs by a system of pulleys, to the side naves. Eight men are required to move it, who are known as the tiraboleiros, as it weighs 53 kg and measures 1.50 metres; it is suspended at a height of 20 metres and can reach a high speed.

The Botafumeiro is used for liturgical purposes, in the same way any priest would use a censer at the altar, and you can see it on the following days of Eucharistic celebration

• The Epiphany: 6th January
• Easter Sunday
• The Ascension of the Lord
• The Appearance of the Apostle-Clavijo: 23rd May
• Pentecost
• The Martyrdom of St. James: 25th July
• Mary’s Assumption: 15th August
• All Saints: 1st November
• Christ the King
• Immaculate Conception: 8th December
• Christmas: 25th December
• Transfer of the remains of the Apostle: 30th December

The Botafumeiro can also be operated to mark pilgrimages that have been requested at the Pilgrim’s Reception Office

To reserve the Botafumeiro, please send an email to: botafumeiro@catedraldesantiago.es.