Happy Jacobean Years to all! May they be great and full of Caminos!
To help you wait for the moment you can finally frolic in total innocence during these years 2021 and 2022, relive the Opening ceremony here, thanks to these pictures!
All of this December 31 2020 has been quite busy in Santiago! Official visits, parade… But the Opening ceremony of the Holy Jacobean Year was really what pilgrims were waiting for!

Photo: caminodesantiago.gal
And there’s more! Pope Francis’ messenger took advantage of the Mass to announce the extension of the Holy Year! 2021 and 2022 will then be both Jacobean Holy Years!
(*) Still closed for now, the Holy Door is about to be open! Officials leaving the Obradoiro square to head to the Quinatana square Archbishop Julián Barrio waiting to enter the Quintana square The Holy Bible used for the ceremony Ceremonial hammer and key used to open the holy door It’s raining… But it doesn’t stop the procession! Clergy is followed by the King of Spain and official representants Starting the ceremony at the Quintana square (*) Another view on the ceremony Welcome words by Archbishop Julián Barrio Message from Pope Francis (*) The Holy Door will open after 3 hits with this silver hammer, made for the occasion (*) 1… … 2 … … and 3! Unlocking the Door… … and finally opening the Holy Dooor! Announcing the good news The procession is ready to enter the cathedral Cleansing and blessing the Door with olive branches and holy water Offering of flowers Entering the cathedral, seen from outside Entering the cathedral, seen from inside (*) A moment of prayer Thanksgiving Mass (*) The King of Spain attends the Mass as a guest of honor Finishing with the Botafumeiro Feliz Año Santo! (*) Ultreïa!
The ceremony was broadcast live by TV Galicia: pictures above come from the report
Except the ones with a (*), that were released by the Cathedral of Santiago
May you have great Jacobean Years in 2021 and 2022 my dear pilgrim friends!
What a wonderful story. Thank you