Botafumeiroa, a famous thurible found in the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

This botafumeiro travels at up to 45 mph!! We saw it at the Pilgrim's Mass on June 16, 2010 - it's a swinging metal container containing incense, originally designed to cover the orders of pilgrims who had just completed the 765 km route though Northern Spain. It's swinging was "sponsored" by Stanford U., who paid 240 Euros to be sure it would swing for us (we were on a Stanford alumni trip). We were comforted to know that the last "accident" with it occurred in the 1930's.

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Travel & Events

[carolynspitz]

Check out Wikipedia...there have been accidents but none since 1937. Glad you enjoyed it!

[Offshoreorganbuilder]

Very impressive. I wonder if it has ever come adrift, or swung amongst the congregation, with surprising results? thanks for the posting.