Next Saturday, July 25, is the day of Santiago Apóstol, a celebration that It has its origin on the Camino de Santiago and in which the figure of the patron saint of Spain and Galicia is celebrated. Due to its long tradition, There are certain customs and traditions that determine what should be done and what should not be done on this day.
Although last year several communities were able to enjoy this day as a non-working day, this year It will only be a holiday in Galiciabeing the National Day of said region, and in the Basque Country. However, this is no excuse to enjoy this day in the most traditional way.
This day commemorates the death of Santiago Apóstol, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. Although there is no historical data that dates his death to July 25, Christian tradition decided to honor him on this day. from the 10th or 11th century. His holy sepulcher was found approximately in the year 813 in Santiago de Compostela, becoming a place of pilgrimage for Christians.
This day the Holy Mass takes place in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
That is why Galicia is where this day is most commonly celebrated. Starting the July 24 with a fireworks show and projections in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The next day, the day of Santiago Apóstol itself, a solemn masswhere you can see the iconic botafumeiro. Likewise, visitors often hug the figure of the saint to express their devotion.
On the other hand, on this day you can achieve a plenary indulgence. These indulgences imply the total forgiveness of sins, according to Catholic tradition. That is why many pilgrims and faithful decide to head towards Santiago de Compostela on these dates, with the aim of reaching the cathedral in time to win the Jubilee, although only in the Xacobean Year, that is, when July 25 falls on a Sunday.
In order to achieve this, you only have to meet three conditions. First of all, you must go to the cathedral of Santiago and visit the saint’s tomb. Once there, one must participate in the Eucharist or another liturgical act, although the prayer for the intentions of the Roman Pontiff must be prayed. And finally, it must receive the sacrament of Sacramental Confessionat least 15 days before, and receive communion.
In Mendoza, it is believed that working on this day can cause earthquakes
However, this holiday is not only celebrated in Spain, but is also very widespread in some Latin American countries such as Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Bolivia or Argentina, among others. Precisely in the latter, in the city of Mendozathere is a superstition around July 25, and it is that If you work on this day, earthquakes can occur in the city.
The origin of this curious belief is found in the nature of the place, being one of the most active seismic zones in Argentina. That is why the city began to consider Santiago Apóstol as a holy protector of earthquakes. For this reason, and given some cases of earthquakes that occurred on July 25, it was decided to establish this day as holiday on your calendar.
In Spain, there are no similar superstitions, but it is considered a day of celebration, in which you can enjoy different religious and cultural eventsas well as typical Galician food. Although it is true that there is a saying that relates this date to high temperatures. According to the Spanish proverb: “In Santiago, the heat overwhelms you in a sea of sweat“And, if it rains this day, it is believed that the crops will be abundant.
For all this, all residents in Galicia and the Basque Country, as well as those who are on vacation in the area, will be able to live one of the most important days of Galician culture and eat the traditional Santiago cake. In the rest of Spain, you can see the Solemn Holy Mass of the Apostle Santiago on television.