The Botafumeiro — one of the most iconic symbols of the Camino de Santiago — is temporarily out of operation due to ongoing renovation work inside the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. According to reporting from ABC Viajar, the Botafumeiro “ni está, ni sobrevolará, temporalmente, el templo catedralicio del apóstol,” meaning it has been removed and will not be swung for the coming months.

While this news may surprise many pilgrims planning to arrive in Santiago soon, the temporary pause is part of a broader conservation effort inside the Cathedral — and there is no cause for long‑term concern. The Botafumeiro is expected to return fully operational in time for the 2027 Holy Year, when thousands of pilgrims will once again gather to witness this extraordinary ritual.

Why the Botafumeiro Is Currently Unavailable

The temporary removal is not due to any issue with the Botafumeiro itself. Instead, it is a consequence of renovation work taking place in another part of the Cathedral, which affects the conditions necessary for its safe operation.

The Botafumeiro requires:

• A clear, unobstructed central crossing
• Stable anchoring points high in the vault
• Controlled airflow and movement
• A fully accessible team of tiraboleiros

During major conservation work, scaffolding, restricted access zones, or temporary structural supports can interfere with these requirements. ABC notes that the Cathedral is undergoing “trabajos de conservación” that make it impossible to swing the Botafumeiro safely until the area is fully restored.

The Cathedral remains open for Masses, pilgrim arrivals, and visits — only the Botafumeiro ritual is affected.

A Brief History of the Botafumeiro

A Medieval Solution With Modern Fame

The Botafumeiro is one of the world’s largest thuribles — a massive silver‑plated censer suspended from the Cathedral’s vaults. Its origins date back to the 13th century, when incense was used to purify the air inside the Cathedral and mask the odors of arriving medieval pilgrims.

A Ritual of Strength and Precision

The Botafumeiro is operated by a team of eight men known as tiraboleiros, who pull a complex system of ropes to swing the censer across the transept. At full height, it reaches speeds of up to 68 km/h, soaring nearly to the vaults before sweeping back over the congregation.

A Symbol of the Camino

Over time, the Botafumeiro evolved from a practical necessity into a powerful symbol of the Camino de Santiago — representing purification, celebration, and the shared spirit of pilgrimage. Today, it is one of the most photographed and beloved traditions in the Cathedral.

Which Parts of the Cathedral Are Being Renovated?

The ABC report highlights that the Cathedral is engaged in ongoing conservation work, part of a long‑term effort to preserve its structural and artistic heritage.

While the article does not specify every detail of the September 2026 renovation zone, it does confirm:

• The work is not on the Botafumeiro itself.
• The renovation is significant enough to temporarily prevent the Botafumeiro from being used.
• The Cathedral continues to operate normally for Masses, pilgrim arrivals, and visits, with only the Botafumeiro ritual affected.

Based on previous conservation projects in the Cathedral (such as the restoration of the Pórtico de la Gloria and airflow‑related preservation work), renovations often involve scaffolding, restricted access zones, or temporary structural supports — all of which can interfere with the safe swinging of the Botafumeiro.

Good News: The Botafumeiro Will Return for 2027

The most important reassurance is this: The Botafumeiro is expected to be fully operational again for the 2027 Holy Year.

Holy Years (Xacobeos) bring special celebrations, open the Holy Door, and attract a surge of pilgrims from around the world. The Cathedral traditionally ensures that all major liturgical elements — including the Botafumeiro — are ready for these extraordinary years.

Planning Your Camino Around the Renovations

If you are walking the Camino in late 2026, you may not see the Botafumeiro in action — but your arrival in Santiago will still be unforgettable. And if witnessing the Botafumeiro is part of your dream Camino experience, then 2027 is the perfect year to plan your pilgrimage.

Our 2027 guided Camino dates are now live, including:

• Full Camino Francés (one special departure)
• Camino del Norte
• Multiple Camino Portugués routes, including the Spiritual Variant
• Self‑guided and private group Caminos

Explore all 2027 options here: 2027 Guided Camino Dates

And thanks to our new online booking system, you can now see real‑time availability and secure your preferred dates instantly: Online Booking

Final Thoughts

Renovations are a natural part of preserving a thousand‑year‑old Cathedral — and while the temporary pause of the Botafumeiro may disappoint some pilgrims, it ensures that this extraordinary ritual will continue safely for generations to come.

For now, the Cathedral remains open, vibrant, and welcoming. And in 2027, during the Holy Year, the Botafumeiro will once again soar above the faithful — a powerful symbol of tradition, devotion, and the enduring spirit of the Camino.

If you’d like help choosing your 2027 route or planning your arrival in Santiago, we’re always here to assist.