Festival of St. James

festival, Santiago de Compostela, Spain

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July 21, 2026

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The Festival of St. James is a significant religious and cultural event celebrated in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, on July 25th. This date marks the feast day of St. James, one of Jesus's Twelve Apostles and the patron saint of Spain.12

Tradition holds that St. James traveled to Spain to preach the gospel before returning to Judaea, where he was martyred. His relics were purportedly brought to Galicia, a region in northwestern Spain, and discovered in the early 9th century near what is now Santiago de Compostela. This discovery led to the development of the Camino de Santiago, a renowned pilgrimage route that draws thousands of visitors annually. The festival itself is a major draw, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike to the city.1234

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Santiago de Compostela
…the 21st century, with the festival of St. James, held on the martyr’s feast day in late July, drawing thousands each year. On July 24, 2013, the eve of the festival, a train carrying hundreds of pilgrims and holidaymakers derailed just outside the city. At least 77 people were killed…
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…the 21st century, with the festival of St. James, held on the martyr’s feast day in late July, drawing thousands each year. On July 24, 2013, the eve of the festival, a train carrying hundreds of pilgrims and holidaymakers derailed just outside the city. At least 77 people were killed…
Read More