Lorraine Williamson
Every year on 25 July, towns and cities across Spain mark the feast of Saint James — known in Spanish as Día de Santiago. But this is no ordinary saint’s day.
For Galicia, it’s a national holiday; for Catholics, it’s a day of solemn reverence; for pilgrims, it marks the end of a spiritual journey. For Spain as a whole, it is a deep-rooted blend of faith, folklore, identity and centuries of history.
James the Greater was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. He was born into a fishing family and is said to have had a bold, fiery spirit. Alongside his brother John, he earned the nickname “Son of Thunder” — a reflection of his impassioned temperament.
Historical accounts say James was the first apostle to be executed for his faith. He was reportedly beheaded in Jerusalem around 44 AD. But it was what happened after his death that gave rise to one of Christianity’s most enduring legends.
Spain’s sacred connection
According to Christian tradition, Saint James travelled west to the edge of the Roman Empire — what is now northern Spain — to spread the gospel. Following his martyrdom, disciples are said to have transported his remains by boat back to Galicia, where they buried him in secret.
Centuries later, in the 9th century, a hermit claimed to have rediscovered the apostle’s tomb in a field. This field (campus stellae, or “field of stars”) gave rise to the name of the now-famous pilgrimage site: Santiago de Compostela. A grand cathedral was eventually built there, and by the Middle Ages, the city had become one of Christianity’s most revered destinations — on par with Rome and Jerusalem.
How Saint James became Spain’s patron
The figure of Santiago took on even greater national significance during the Reconquista, the long struggle to reclaim Iberian territories from Muslim rule. Legends tell of the apostle appearing in battle to aid Christian forces, earning him the title Santiago Matamoros — Saint James the Moor-slayer — a warrior saint galloping across the battlefield on a white horse.
By the 17th century, his status was cemented. In 1630, Pope Urban VIII officially named him the patron saint of Spain.
How July 25 is celebrated across Spain
The way Día de Santiago is marked varies widely across the country. In Galicia, Madrid, Navarre and the Basque Country, it’s an official public holiday. In other regions — such as Vélez-Málaga or parts of Cantabria and Catalonia — it is celebrated locally with regional customs, food, music and parades.
Galicia: A day of identity and celebration
In Galicia, July 25 has a dual significance. It’s both a major religious feast and the Día Nacional de Galicia — the region’s national day. It’s a time to celebrate Galician culture, language and autonomy, often through speeches, concerts and demonstrations.
Santiago de Compostela is at the heart of it all. On the night of July 24, crowds gather for the Fuegos del Apóstol, a spectacular fireworks display. Inside the cathedral, a packed midnight mass features the famous Botafumeiro. This is a massive incense burner swung high above the congregation in a dramatic arc.
In the Canary Islands: A naval victory
In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Día de Santiago is also associated with a key historical event — the 1797 victory over British Admiral Horatio Nelson, who was famously repelled by local forces. Saint James is revered there as the protector of that triumph.
The pilgrim’s saint
Beyond religion, Santiago is a figure who unites people through journey and purpose. For modern-day pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago, July 25 is a milestone. It is the culmination of hundreds of kilometres of reflection, endurance and camaraderie. For Spaniards, the day offers a link to their country’s layered past, blending myth, faith, and cultural memory.
Even for the non-religious, the saint is a symbol of identity and continuity. It´s a reminder of Spain’s spiritual landscape and the global allure of its traditions.
Santiago’s legacy lives on
From medieval battlefields to bustling pilgrimage routes, the story of Saint James continues to shape Spain’s cultural and spiritual identity. On July 25, whether through fireworks in Galicia, local fiestas elsewhere, or quiet contemplation along the Camino, Spain celebrates a figure who is as mythical as he is historical — and whose influence shows no sign of fading.
Fiestas, ferias, and celebrations in Spain