Today, at the end of the pilgrim’s mass, the Botafumeiro was lit. This ritual is only done on special occasions or at a pilgrim’s request. After being filled with incense and coal by the ‘Tiraboleiros’, the Botafumeiro is tied to a rope hanging by the altar and set in motion.

This is the third time we have attended the Pilgrims’ mass at the cathedral and the first time we have witnessed the fire up of the Botafumeiro.