[2] July 25 is also the National Day of Galicia of which James is its patron saint (Galician: Festas do Apóstolo).

[3] According to the legends surrounding his life, it is said that James preached the gospel in Hispania as well as in the Holy Land.

After his martyrdom at the hands of Herod Agrippa, his followers transported his body by sea to Galicia, where they landed at Iria Flavia, and then carried his remains to Santiago de Compostela for burial.

[4] The location of the grave was lost to memory, and was believed to be rediscovered by bishop Theodemir of Iria on July 25, 812, during the reign of Alfonso II.

Because of his role in northern Spain, James is venerated throughout the Basque Country and Galicia where July 25 is a public holiday.