A human tide clogs the Cathedral and its surroundings every weekend. With summer just around the corner, the government has not ceased in its efforts to find a solution to alleviate acsesse to the temple. Open-air masses and discarding the ceiling of 2,000 people inside the basilica are options being considered, provided that points-to guarantee the necessary security conditions. "The problem is that most of the focus is the pilgrim mass at twelve o'clock, especially on Saturday," said Bugallo.
Next month an average of between 9 and 15 of mass pilgrimages every weekend are scheduled. To lower the pressure on the noon ceremony, there is a proposal to schedule a homily at 11 hours.
"The 12pm mass does not fit everyone and there are many people who go a couple of hours earlier to secure a seat," he says.
As the system works, if the capacity reaches the top, now fixed at 1,900 people, access is blocked until someone decides to go and vent to the temple. And hence the queues form at the gates. "We can not allow it to be like a sardine can. The visiting time is limited," says the alderman. Not surprisingly, in this process of trial and error to determine the maximum capacity of the basilica is being studied beyond the limit of 2,000.
Besides appealing to the collaboration of the Archdiocese to relieve the 12 o'clock mass, the special security operation also plans to hold open-air masses in the praza A Quintana. They would occur every Saturday on a giant screen so that the faithful could see the botafumeiro from outside.
To lessen the load on the Holy Door and Praterías, they are exploring the possibility of allowing access to large groups through the Acibechería, an entry that right now allowing access to pilgrims with a compostela in their possession.
The botafumeiro may also influence the mass overload at 12pm. Although it has a fixed schedule, it is usual for the impressive censer to fly at noon. Although the Church insists on linking its use to religion, the demand for tourism is undeniable. "It is clear that visitors coming to Santiago want the full service, to embrace the Apostle, visit the crypt and, of course, see the botafumeiro" says Bugallo. Otherwise, "they leave with the feeling that something important has been missed."
The Hospitality Association is already exploring the possibility of paying for the botafumeiro flights in 2011.
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