Botafumeiro, Giant thurible in Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, Spain
The Botafumeiro is a large brass thurible with silver plating inside Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Eight specially trained men called tiraboleiros operate this vessel during ceremonies, swinging it across the entire transept.
The Botafumeiro first appears in written records during the 12th century in the Codex Calixtinus under the name Turibulum Magnum. This ancient manuscript shows that the use of this large thurible was already an established practice in the cathedral centuries ago.
The Botafumeiro swings through the cathedral during religious services, spreading incense as a symbol of prayers rising to heaven. Its name comes from Galician and literally means "smoke thrower."
The Botafumeiro typically swings during Friday evening mass and on major religious holidays when large crowds of pilgrims visit the cathedral. Visitors should check local information to confirm the ceremony will occur on their day of visit.
While in motion, it reaches remarkable speeds and rises to considerable heights above the cathedral floor. This dramatic movement is relatively uncommon in European religious practice and fascinates visitors from around the world.
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