This 176-Pound Censer Swings at 43 MPH Over Crowds

Inside Spain's Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, the Botafumeiro—an 80 kg silver censer—swings at 70 km/h to disperse incense. Built in the Middle Ages to combat the unbearable smell of unwashed pilgrims, this tradition has continued for over 800 years. Before each Mass, eight men in red robes pull ropes to swing it across the entire cathedral, filling the air with incense. Today, it only operates on major religious holidays. #Botafumeiro #SantiagoDeCompostela #MedievalHistory #CaminoDeSantiago #CathedralRituals #SpanishHistory #HistoricalFacts #ReligiousTradition #EngineeringMarvel #TravelSpain