July 25 Maritime procession in honour of Santiago Apóstol in the port of Cartagena

Saint James is said to have arrived in Cartagena in the years just after the death of Christ

Santiago Apóstol is the Spanish name for Saint James the Great, who is the patron saint of Spain and who is believed by some to have reached the Iberian Peninsula in Cartagena a couple of years after the Crucifixion as he spread the word of Christianity in this part of the world.

For this reason his Feast Saint’s Day on July 25 is commemorated every year in Cartagena with a maritime procession, which is being held this year in the port at 19.30 before Mass is held on the dockside and a procession makes its way to the church of Santa Lucía.

The figure of the Apostle is paraded on board the San Antonio lateen sailing boat, based in the Club Náutico Santa Lucía, with the help of oarsmen from the club and accompanied by other vessels. On arrival at the “Dársena de Santiago” he will be welcomed by local ecclesiastic, military and civil dignitaries.

The event is organized by the Archicofradía de Santiago Apóstol with help from the Town Hall, the Port Authority and the Club Náutico Santa Lucía.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Cartagena

For more upcoming events in the Region of Murcia go to the What’s on section of Murcia Today.