Botafumeiro ~ Day 79 ~ June 24, 2014

Day 79, June 24
13 miles, 980 miles
Altitude: 853 feet (1,213 feet daily high)
Weather: morning mist, blue sky with clouds, overcast; 65-75F
Santiago

The swinging of the giant Botafumeiro was originally used to fumigate the sweaty and possibly disease-ridden pilgrims. The ritual requires half a dozen attendants, tiraboleiros, to preform it. Hence, it is not always included in the noon pilgrim’s mass. It was my good fortune not only to have it part of the service; but, also to be directed to sit within 15-feet of the swinging Botafumeiro’s arc.