St. James' Day in Spain: Discover Everything Expats Need to Know About July 25

The Night Spain Lights Up. Imagine strolling through the historic streets of Santiago de Compostela on a warm summer evening. The city buzzes with excitement as musicians perform in lively squares, families gather to celebrate, and visitors from around the world fill the old town. As midnight approaches, thousands of people look toward the Cathedral, where a spectacular fireworks display and breathtaking video-mapping show transform the iconic façade into a canvas of light and colour.

If you’re living in Spain—or planning to move here—you may find yourself wondering what all the celebration is about.

Every year on July 25, Spain celebrates St. James’ Day (Santiago Apóstol), one of the country’s most significant religious and cultural festivities. While the biggest celebrations take place in Galicia, particularly in Santiago de Compostela, the day is recognised throughout Spain and offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s traditions, history, and community spirit.

Whether you’re relocating permanently or simply visiting during the summer, experiencing St. James’ Day in Spain is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Spanish culture.

Who Was St. James and Why Is He Spain's Patron Saint?

St. James the Apostle (Santiago Apóstol) was one of Jesus Christ’s twelve apostles and is believed, according to Christian tradition, to have preached in the Iberian Peninsula during the first century.

After his martyrdom in Jerusalem, legend tells that his remains were miraculously transported to northwestern Spain, where they were eventually discovered centuries later in what is now Santiago de Compostela.

His tomb soon became one of Christianity’s most important pilgrimage destinations, alongside Jerusalem and Rome. Over time, St. James became not only a religious figure but also a powerful symbol of Spanish history, identity, and resilience.

Today, he is officially recognised as the Patron Saint of Spain, and July 25 is dedicated to honouring his legacy.

Did you know?

Although St. James is the patron saint of all Spain, Galicia also celebrates July 25 as Galicia National Day (Día Nacional de Galicia), making it one of the region's most important annual celebrations.

Why St. James' Day in Spain Matters

For many years, July 25 was celebrated as a public holiday throughout Spain. Today, however, each autonomous community decides whether to include it in its official holiday calendar.

In 2026, July 25 falls on a Saturday, and only two autonomous communities observe it as an official regional public holiday:

Galicia, where it coincides with Galicia National Day.
The Basque Country, where the day also holds regional significance.

Even in regions where it is not an official holiday, many towns organise cultural activities, concerts, religious ceremonies, and community events to mark the occasion.

The Camino de Santiago : A Journey That Brings the World Together

For many international visitors—especially Americans, Canadians, Australians, and Northern Europeans—the words “Santiago” immediately bring one thing to mind: The Camino de Santiago.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims walk the famous pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela. Some complete the journey for religious reasons, while others do it for personal growth, adventure, or simply to experience one of Europe’s most iconic long-distance walks.

The city becomes especially vibrant around St. James’ Day, as many pilgrims plan their arrival to coincide with the celebrations, creating a unique atmosphere where cultures from around the world come together.

Santiago de Compostela: The Heart of the Celebration

If there’s one place to experience St. James’ Day in Spain, it’s Santiago de Compostela.

The festivities begin on the evening of July 24, when the city comes alive with concerts, performances, and one of Spain’s most spectacular fireworks displays. The Cathedral’s façade becomes the centrepiece of an impressive video-mapping projection, while fireworks illuminate the night sky from several locations across the city.

On July 25 itself, thousands gather for solemn religious services inside the Cathedral. When conditions allow, visitors may also witness the famous Botafumeiro, the enormous incense burner that swings dramatically through the cathedral’s central nave during special ceremonies.

Beyond the religious celebrations, the city hosts an extensive cultural programme including live music, theatre performances, exhibitions, traditional Galician dance, local food markets, and family-friendly activities throughout the historic centre.

St. James' Day in Spain Goes Digital

Technology has even become part of this centuries-old tradition.

The Cathedral of Santiago offers a Virtual Candle service, allowing people from anywhere in the world to light a digital candle online. Since its launch, more than 1.8 million virtual candles have been lit from 136 countries, with many people leaving prayers for health, loved ones, or personal wishes—even if they can't travel to Santiago in person.

What Expats Should Know

If you’re living in Spain or arriving around July 25, here are a few practical tips to help you plan ahead.

Is St. James' Day in Spain a Public Holiday?

In 2026, July 25 is an official regional public holiday in:

Galicia
The Basque Country

Elsewhere in Spain, businesses generally operate as usual, although some local celebrations may affect opening hours.

Government Offices, Banks & Public Services

If you’re planning immigration appointments, registration procedures, or other administrative tasks, keep in mind that government offices, local councils, and banks in Galicia and the Basque Country will be closed on July 25. Even in other parts of Spain, many public employees take annual leave during August, so some services may operate with reduced staffing or experience longer processing times.

If you have important paperwork to complete, it’s always a good idea to book appointments well in advance and check opening hours before visiting, especially if you’re relocating to Spain during the summer.

What Should You Try?

No visit to Galicia would be complete without sampling its famous cuisine.

Some local favourites include:

Pulpo a Feira

Galician-style octopus

Empanada Gallega

Traditional savory pastry

Tarta de Santiago

A delicious almond cake

Activities Expats Can Enjoy

If you’re visiting Santiago during the festivities, here are some experiences you shouldn’t miss:

Watch the spectacular fireworks and video-mapping show on the night of July 24, when the Cathedral and the Palacio de Raxoi become the backdrop for one of Spain’s most impressive summer spectacles.
Experience Galicia’s traditional culture during the Galician Folklore Festival (Xornadas de Folclore Galego), featuring traditional music, dance, and performances in the historic city centre.
Join the Traditional Costume Day (Día del Traje) on July 26, where locals parade through Santiago wearing authentic Galician attire, celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Enjoy free open-air concerts throughout the city, with performances ranging from reggae and flamenco to folk, orchestral music, and contemporary Spanish artists.
Explore Santiago’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, where historic streets, lively squares, artisan markets, and festive decorations create a unique atmosphere throughout the celebrations.

St. James' Day in Spain—A Way to Feel at Home

Whether you’re watching fireworks light up the Cathedral in Santiago, tasting your first slice of Tarta de Santiago, or simply learning why July 25 holds such special meaning across the country, St. James’ Day is an unforgettable experience that captures the heart of Spanish culture.

If you’re planning your move here, embracing local traditions like St. James’ Day in Spain is one of the best ways to feel at home from day one.

At Relocation for Expats, we’re here to help you with every step of your relocation journey—from visas and accommodation to settling into your new life in Spain. Book a consultation here.