This July 25th, the Catholic Church in Spain celebrates the Solemnity of Saint James the Apostle, patron saint of the country . This day, in addition to its profound religious significance, is filled with institutional events, popular traditions, and, of course, obligations for the faithful. The date commemorates the martyrdom of the Apostle James the Greater , beheaded in Jerusalem around 44 AD by order of Herod Agrippa, and whose burial is traditionally placed in Galicia, giving rise to the Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James ).
Although it was once a national holiday, today it is only a non-working day in Galicia and the Basque Country, which has led several dioceses to grant dispensations for those unable to attend Mass due to work commitments. The Episcopal Conference reminds the faithful that it is a holy day of obligation , but exemptions are permitted in justified cases. Below, we review the main events and celebrations that marked July 25th in different parts of Spain.
Obligations and dispensations for the faithful
The obligatory nature of the Solemnity of St. James the Apostle means that all Catholics in Spain are required to attend Mass. However, since it falls on a Saturday in most of the country, the Archbishops of Mérida-Badajoz and Navarre have granted a dispensation for those faithful who, due to work, travel, or other serious reasons, are unable to participate. In both cases, the faithful are encouraged to attend Mass at church to honor their patron saint, if possible.
An important point that has caused some confusion is the Saturday evening Mass. The Saturday evening Mass must be celebrated according to the proper form for the Feast of St. James the Apostle , and not the form for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Therefore, attending this celebration does not exempt one from the Sunday obligation, as these are two distinct obligations. Those faithful who are able should participate in both Masses to fulfill the liturgy.
Institutional and religious acts
The epicenter of the day was, once again, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the traditional National Offering to the Apostle took place. The President of the Xunta, Alfonso Rueda, led the ceremony, accompanied by other members of the Galician government, in a ceremony that combined religious solemnity with an institutional character. During the Mass, the Botafumeiro once again took center stage, swinging through the transept of the cathedral before the eyes of hundreds of worshippers and visitors.
In Bilbao, the Cathedral of Santiago hosted a Mass presided over by the diocesan bishop, Joseba Segura, to mark the feast day of the city's patron saint. The Mass was broadcast live to allow those unable to attend to participate. In other towns, such as Villanueva de la Cañada, a Mass was also celebrated in the Plaza de España, attended by the mayor and representatives of local groups.
Popular festivals throughout Spain
Beyond the religious ceremonies, the Feast of St. James the Apostle is celebrated with great enthusiasm in many towns and cities. In Villanueva de la Cañada (Madrid), after Mass, local social clubs laid a floral offering before the statue of the saint, and a communal meal was organized featuring stew, black rice, migas (a traditional breadcrumb dish), fideuà (a noodle paella), and paella. The proceeds will go to the STOP-FA Friedreich's Ataxia Association , an organization that funds research into this neurodegenerative disease. The festivities continue until July 27th with bouncy castles and parades.
Collado Villalba has also kicked off its 2026 Santiago Apóstol Festival with a packed musical program. The Granito Rock festival opened on Saturday the 18th , and since then, concerts by DeMarco Flamenco, Gonzalo Hermida, and Café Quijano, among others, have followed. Performances are taking place in Plaza de los Belgas, Plaza de la Estación, and at local peñas (social clubs), with free admission. A funfair and open-air dances round out the leisure activities.
In Pliego (Murcia), the 11th Proclamation of Saint James the Apostle, delivered by Francisco Andrés MartÃnez Gómez, kicked off the patron saint festivities. The event included a firework display and a wine tasting , with the participation of the Brotherhood of Saint James and the Town Hall. Meanwhile, in Galicia, the Day of the Apostle coincides with Galicia's National Day, and the city of Santiago de Compostela offered Galician folk music concerts, such as the performance by Tania Veiras e os Cumbiapop, in addition to the traditional fireworks.
The Feast of St. James the Apostle has once again demonstrated its deep roots in Spanish society, combining faith, tradition, and celebration. From liturgical obligations to popular festivities and official events, July 25th remains a key date on the calendar , especially in Galicia and the Basque Country, where it is a public holiday. The variety of events, from the National Offering to local festivals, reflects the diverse ways in which Spain's patron saint is honored.
