St. James the Apostle, also known as St. James the Greater, is a saint venerated in the Catholic Church and considered one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. Born in Bethsaida in Galilee, he was the son of Zebedee and brother of John, who also became an apostle. James was a fisherman by profession and was called by Jesus to follow him and his brother John to the shores of the Sea of Galilee.
St. James was one of Jesus’ closest disciples and was part of his inner circle of apostles, which also included Peter and John. He witnessed many important events, including Jesus’ Transfiguration on Mount Tabor and Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Olives in Gethsemane.
The story of St. James culminates with his martyrdom. According to tradition, after Jesus’ death, James went to Spain to spread the gospel. However, he was persecuted and beheaded by King Herod Agrippa I around the year 44 AD. His tomb, according to tradition, was miraculously discovered in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, in the 9th century and became an important pilgrimage site.
The Feast of St. James, known as the “Feast of Santiago” or “Feast of Santiago the Apostle,” is celebrated on July 25 each year. It is one of the most important holidays in Spain, particularly in the region of Galicia, where Santiago de Compostela is located. During the festival, the city fills with pilgrims from all over the world who have completed the Camino de Santiago, a famous pilgrimage route leading to the tomb of St. James.
The traditions associated with St. James are deeply rooted in Spanish culture. During the feast day, solemn processions are held, special messages are read in churches, and a solemn mass is held in honor of the saint. Pilgrims who have completed the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago receive the Compostela, an official certificate of completion. The festival also features parades, traditional dances, fireworks and other cultural events.
St. James is considered the patron saint of Spain and pilgrims. His figure is a symbol of faith, courage and perseverance. The Camino de Santiago has become a popular spiritual route for believers around the world, attracting thousands of pilgrims each year who seek spiritual connection and a sense of adventure.
In addition, St. James is often depicted in art as a pilgrim with a walking stick and a wide-brimmed hat, symbols that recall his connection to the Way of St. James. Its iconography also includes the Santiago shell, a distinctive symbol of pilgrimage, often worn by pilgrims as a sign of recognition along the way.
St. James the Apostle is a venerated saint in the Catholic tradition, known for his closeness to Jesus and his role in evangelization. His feast day, July 25, is an important celebration in Spain, especially in the region of Galicia, where Santiago de Compostela is located. The figure of St. James is associated with the Way of St. James, a pilgrimage route that attracts many believers from around the world in search of spirituality and a deep religious experience.
