Porto joins the Xacobeo celebrations and hosts historic regatta in July 2022

Porto will be one of the last landing points during the Iacobus Maris regatta, which features 3400 nautical miles and sailboats that will recreate the voyage of the Apostle Santiago’s body from Israel to Galicia, Spain.

In unprecedented times, and during the pandemic, this historic celebration is extended for two years, for the first time. Santiago de Compostela, named after the Apostle, celebrates the Xacobeo, the Holly Year for the Catholic tradition, which is always marked on 25 July. The celebrations include a wide range regatta, with a stopover in Porto between 17 and 19 July 2022.

This maritime race is called Iacobus Maris, and it will recreate the voyage by the body of Santiago Maior for four countries. The boats sail out of Jafa, in Israel, with 70 feet long boats that will cross the Mediterranean Sea heading to Genoa. This will be the starting point for a huge fleet of sailboats to sail out to Valencia, on 24 June, where they are due to arrive on 1 July 2022. From there, they will head to the South of Spain, navigating the Guadalquivir River, and should dock in Seville, two days later.

On 10 July, the entourage will finally head to Porto, sailing up the River Douro, where they will arrive on 17 July and will be docked for two days, allowing visits by people in Porto.

The maritime voyage concludes a week later, in Vigo, and then by land, the delegation shall arrive in Santiago de Compostela, on 25 July.

This initiative is organised by the Reginal Government of Galicia and the Traslatio Foundation, with the support by Porto City Hall and the Turismo Porto e Norte de Portugal.