The Famous Santiago Botafumeiro

The famous Santiago Botafumeiro (pronounced Bot A Fum Ey O) is a thurible and one of the largest incense burners in the world, weighing 53kg and measuring 1.5m. It is suspended from the roof of the Santiago Cathedral by chains and swung by eight men in robes called tiraboleiros. Traditionally the thick incense smoke was used to disguise the smell of unwashed pilgrims and it was believed the smoke also had a prophylactic effect against the plague and other epidemics in addition to incense being an important part of the liturgy.

It is filled with charcoal and incense each time it is swung, which creates a mist of smoke as it reaches speeds of over 60km per hour above the congregation.

The Botafumeiro has been in existence in some form since the 11th century and has recently been made famous by those who have had the good fortune to see it swung when they’ve arrived in Santiago after walking Spain’s Camino de Santiago and films such as The Way.

When is the Botafumeiro used?

The Botafumeiro is only guaranteed to be swung on special religious days (‘solemnities’):

• 6 January: The Epiphany
• Resurrection Sunday
• 23 May: The Apparition of the Apostle-Clavijo
• Pentecost
• 25 July: The Martyrdom of Saint James
• 15 August: The Assumption of Mary
• 1 November: All Saints
• Christ the King
• 8 December: The Immaculate Conception
• 25 December: Christmas Day
• 30 December: Transfer of the remains of the Apostle

The Botafumeiro also swings regularly at other times, but only when paid for by pilgrims or benefactors. Due to the expense involved, this is mostly achieved with bus tour groups who take up a collection to cover the cost and then get priority seating in the cathedral to watch it. Unfortunately there is no schedule to this and you will only know if it’s swinging until the day itself. To contact the Cathedral to enquire about reserving the Botafumeiro and the costs involved, email botafumeiro@catedraldesantiago.es

We hope you are fortunate enough to see the famous Santiago Botafumeiro on your visit. You can find out more on the Cathedral Santiago website.