We started the year 2016 in this blog talking about one of the best-known elements associated with the Compostela pilgrimage: the boot, the enormous censer of the cathedral of Santiago that flies through its nave, operated by seven people. What do you know about him, and when can you see him in action?
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What does the name “botafumeiro” mean?
The name "botafumeiro", in Galician, literally means "smoke ejector", although strictly speaking, in Galician the correct expression would be "bota fume" or "fumeiro".
Where does it come from?
The botafumeiro was installed for the first time in the cathedral of Santiago in the XNUMXth or XNUMXth century, in order to alleviate the bad odors caused by the pilgrims who spent the night en masse in the cathedral after a long journey on foot.
Santiago was not the only place where similar devices were installed: in the past, the cathedrals of Orense, Zamora or Tuy also had their own botafumeiros. At present, however, they are only used in the latter on special occasions (besides Santiago, of course).
Throughout history, the temple has had four butafumeiros: the first was used until 1530, when a new silver one was carved thanks to a donation from King Louis XI of France. This, however, was stolen by French troops during the War of Independence in 1809, and was replaced by a new iron one that worked until 1851, when the current one was manufactured, built by the craftsman José Losada, who also He made the urn that keeps the remains of the Apostle Santiago.
How big is the botafumeiro?
The botafumeiro weighs 80 kg and measures 1.60 m. Each time it is used, it is refilled with 40 kg. of incense and charcoal.
Every time it starts up, seven “tibuleiros” swing it and pull the rope that supports it, moving it thanks to an elaborate system of pulleys. The operation of the botafumeiro lasts about 15 minutes, long enough for the procession of priests to go through all the naves of the cathedral.
When can I see the botafumeiro?
The botafumeiro is officially put into operation during the opening and closing of the Holy Year, as well as in major religious celebrations. For the year 2016, these dates are:
- The Epiphany of the Lord: January 6
- Easter Sunday
- The Ascension of the Lord
- The Appearance of the Apostle-Clavijo: May 23
- Pentecost
- The Martyrdom of Santiago: July 25
- The Assumption of Mary: August 15
- All Saints: November 1
- Christ the King
- The Immaculate Conception: December 8
- Christmas is on the 25th of December
- Transfer of the Remains of the Apostle: December 30
