Fiesta of the Apostle Santiago

The official feast day of Saint James is 25th July, but the celebratory party in Santiago de Compostela starts ten days earlier, with exhibitions, concerts of traditional Gallego music (with plenty of bagpipes – it’s very Celtic) and theatrical performances in the main squares.

There are several main events worth timing it for. The Fuegos del Apostol, on the night of the 24th of July, is a spectacular firework and multimedia show that takes place in Praza del Obradoiro. On the 25th of July, Saint James’ Day, a Mass held in the famous Cathedral culminates with the swinging of the enormous incense burner, the botafumeiro. It takes eight men to pull the ropes, sending it almost to the cathedral ceiling as it swoops down the nave.

There’s also a suitably large and impressive fireworks show on 31st July, marking the fiesta’s end.