Pilgrims statistics - July & August 2012

[fraluchi]

The pilgrims' office in Santiago has already published the statistics for August.
July and August 2012 figures, compared to those of 2011, show a few interesting changes:
1) Foreigners have increased, both in comparative numbers and in percentage of the monthly totals; (Spanish pilgrims decreased from 66% to 61% of total pilgrims in July, and from 64% to 62% in August)
2) Pilgrims on the Camino Francés, not counting those who walked the distance between Sarria and Santiago, have decreased, both in absolute numbers as well as in percentage of the monthly totals. (-2% in July and - 6% in August)
The Camino Francés has been much quieter in 2012 than it was in 2011 during these two months.

 

[mralisn]

I was fortunate to return to the Camino this summer. On most days, I would finish before 14:00. This allowed me plenty of time to talk with the hospitaleros before the bigger rush of people came in. I was told on several occasions of the decreased numbers. (I walked from beginning June mid-July.) I imagine after the Holy Year of 2010 and the popularity that followed in 2011, it would be hard to keep the numbers up. I'd like to see the comparison of 2009 and this summer. No matter, the Camino will continue to provide for all of us. :wink:

 

[fraluchi]

I'd like to see the comparison of 2009 and this summer. No matter, the Camino will continue to provide for all of us. :wink:

Well, here are some amazing facts. Compare pilgrim arrivals, who walked the Camino Francés (excluding those from Sarria to Santiago): in July 2012 there were only 392 (3%) more than in 2009. In August 2012 there were 1.311 (7%) less than in 2009 and only 838 (5%) more than in 2008. :roll:
Now, statistics and lies..... :|