The 25th of July was the feast of Saint James. Saint James is the patron saint of Spain, and for many, his remains are in Santiago de Compostela. Many pilgrims spend this day together, gathering and remembering good times from Caminos-past. Many societies arrange events celebrating the occasion. In Santiago, the festivities usually start with a firework display where pilgrims fill the Plaza da Obradoiro to witness the spectacle. This year is the exception. With far fewer pilgrims and quite a lot of social distancing, King Felipe visited Santiago for the occasion.
So what was I to do this year? I didn’t have far to look. My good friend Oihana had decided to walk from her home in Dunboyne in Co. Meath with a number of pilgrims to St James’ Church in Dublin to remember those affected by Covid-19. I wouldn’t walk from Dunboyne. however, as I live too far away, but I arranged to meet with my friend Elizabeth and we would travel to Blanchardstown, 15kms from St James’ Church. From there, it turned out to be a beautiful day. It was the first time I had met many of who I walked with since the start of the pandemic.
Elizabeth and myself on way to Blanchardstown
It was great to see everyone and once we made our start, we knew our way. The Papal Cross was the next stop but there was plenty of time to look around and take our time. I thought that we would have some rain but it was Oihana that told me that it was Santiago protecting us. Oh me of little faith! I didn’t need the rain jacket at all. I had the pleasure of carrying the baton and the luz del camino from Blanchardstown until Castleknock. Both have been carefully crafted by Oihana with the words “Volveremos” (We will return) scribed on the baton. Everyone of us believe that. There were also many beautifully designed scallop shells.
Baton and Luz with pilgrims (Picture by Oihana)
Arriving at the Royal Canal and the National Famine Way, you can see many boats parked along the side of the Canal. We decided to take a rest, and it is a great opportunity for a photo. We have plenty of time but we are eager to arrive at St James’ Church.
Royal Canal
On arriving at the Papal Cross in the Phoenix Park, we met more pilgrims who wished to walk to the Church. It was planned that we would take a short break here and say a prayer, which was quite fitting.
Arriving at Phoenix ParkOihana, Elizabeth y David – tres peregrin@sAll pilgrims socially distant at the Papal Cross in the Phoenix Park
From here we made the walk to the old door of Dublin, St James’ Gate. St James’ Gate now is a bustling industrial place but in medieval times, people entered the city from here. Many people associate this name with a certain drink too so it was nice to get a photo while we passed.
St James’ Gate
A quick turn of a corner and we were on James Street. We were welcomed by Fr Eugene who congratulated us on making our pilgrimage and asked us to be seated, but in a socially distant way.
St James’ Church, Dublin
He blessed us and as this pilgrimage was to remember everyone affected by Covid-19 – the healthcare workers, the nurses, the doctors, the HSE, ambulance drivers, he asked us to spare a few moments to thank those. He asked us to light a candle and spend a few moments with those in need in our thoughts.
One reason why I won’t forget the day is because we received a Compostela and a token afterward. I will be getting this framed this week. It is very well designed, don’t you agree? There was an incredible amount of work put into this walk from the design of the baton to the opening of the church.
Compostela with Sello from St James ChurchSomething to remember
And to top off a great day, we had a selection of spanish foods and tarta de Santiago. I’m blessed for having great pilgrim friends.
The annual Feast of Saint James takes places today in Santiago de Compostela and across Spain. It is also a public holiday in Galicia. Whenever you visit Santiago, you can be sure to see many pilgrims who have walked on the Camino de Santiago arrive into the city to join in the celebrations.
The two weeks leading up to “El Día de Santiago” (Santiago Day or St. James’ Day) are full of art exhibitions, drama productions, indoor and outdoor concerts of all kinds of music and street entertainment – both professional and amateur. Almost every night there will be something going on in the major squares, Plaza del Obradoiro and Plaza de la Quintana. On the evening of 24th July, in the Plaza del Obradoiro, are the Fuegos del Apóstol (or Fogos do Apostol in Galician) – that sees the side of the cathedral illuminated at midnight by fireworks.
The feast day itself includes many official celebrations the most important of which is an official mass which is attended by representatives of the Galician government and often by members of the Spanish Royal family.
Unfortunately, I did not watch the fireworks display on TV Galicia last night but I watched it in the last few hours. It is pretty impressive. You can watch it here.
Hello, my name is David. I am a peregrino living in Dublin, Ireland. I have visited Spain and Portugal and walked its many roads to Santiago since 2011. On this site, you will find my stories, photos, and observations from my Caminos and my planning for future Caminos. Feel free to get in touchwith me here
Hello, my name is David. I am a peregrino living in Dublin, Ireland. I have visited Spain and Portugal and walked its many roads to Santiago since 2011. On this site, you will find my stories, photos, and observations from my Caminos and my planning for future Caminos. Feel free to get in touch
