Papa Benedetto's Swinging Time at la Catedral de Santiago de Compostela

I just love the look on Papa Benedetto's face as he watches El Botafumiero in action. He looks allmost like a kid with a new toy.




For those who aren't familiar with what is 1 of the largest thuribles/censers in the world, it is located at Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The Cathederal is named in honor of St. James the Greater. His relics are kept there.

The The Botafumeiro weighs 80 kg & measuring 1.60 m in height. Normally it is kept on exhibition in the library of the cathedral. For certain important religious occasions it is brought to the floor of the cathedral & attached to ropes hung from the pulley mechanism. Obviously, a Papal visit is 1 of those occasions. It is filled with about 40 kg of charcoal & incense. The ropes are pulled by 8 red-robed tiraboleiros. It can reach a speed of speeds of 68 km/h. It can achieve heights of 21 meters. It swings in a 65 meter arc between the Azabachería & Praterias doorways at the ends of the transept. The maximum angle achieved is about 82°. The cost per use is about 250€ these days. I'd say in this case, it was definitely worth it.

H/T: Rocco (Holy Smoke... Lots of It)