Saint James' Day, celebrated on July 25th, falls on a Saturday in 2026. Historically, this date was a public holiday in Catalunya, associated with popular celebrations similar to those of Saint Peter or Saint John.
Several Catalan and Valencian towns celebrate their main festivals around this day. These include Riudoms, Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Sant Pol de Mar, Begues, and Figuerola del Camp. Events such as the 'fanalets de Sant Jaume' (Saint James' lanterns) in Lleida, the Fira de Sant Jaume in Reus, and the Diada Castellera in Salt also stand out.
In Barcelona, the festival is marked by the Trobada dels Gegants de Sant Jaume (Giants' Gathering of Saint James), an event that brings together 'colles geganteres' (groups of traditional giants) from all over Catalunya. Local figures like Ferran, Mercè, and Ullets serve as the main hosts for this celebration.
Saint James the Greater, one of Jesus' twelve apostles, is known for the tradition that places his remains in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Legend has it that a hermit discovered his tomb due to a shower of stars, giving rise to the name Compostela and making it a major pilgrimage site and the culmination of the popular Camino de Sant Jaume (Way of Saint James).
During the medieval period, Saint James was declared the patron saint of Spain, and in the 12th century, his figure lent its name to a prestigious Castilian military order.
