Terrorism threat on the 25th?

[Jenni along the way]

Hola,
I am along the Camino Frances and finally getting close to arriving in Santiago! I am supposed to arrive on the feast day. As I have conversations with people from Spain, many are recommending to avoid Santiago on the 25th due to recent terrorist attacks... in Nice, etc. Anyone share that concern or heard similar advice? I am trying to decide what to do. Buon Camino mi amigos.

 

[jsalt]

Hi
Congratulations on nearing the end of your camino! If this worries you then stay back a day and go into Santiago on the 26th. Peace of mind is better than being afraid.
This reminds me a little of a question I received recently from some who lives in Johannesburg (big crime capital of the world):
“Aren’t you afraid of going to Europe now and walking the camino?”
“Um, no, why?”
“Well, all those immigrants everywhere causing trouble . . . .”
Go well, and stay safe. If you are in the wrong place at the wrong time there is not much you can do about it. Jill

 

[jerbear]

There is a chance every year in every place! Just saying.

 

[Melensdad]

We finished the Frances a few days ago and will be returning to Santiago on the 24th and departing on the 27th.

Not worried about terrorists.

 

[Deleted member 12253]

We finished the Frances a few days ago and will be returning to Santiago on the 24th and departing on the 27th.

Not worried about terrorists.[/QUOTE

Hola,
I am along the Camino Frances and finally getting close to arriving in Santiago! I am supposed to arrive on the feast day. As I have conversations with people from Spain, many are recommending to avoid Santiago on the 25th due to recent terrorist attacks... in Nice, etc. Anyone share that concern or heard similar advice? I am trying to decide what to do. Buon Camino mi amigos.

Be very afraid and stay alert. Life goes on and don't give in to terrorism Buen camino

 

[jennie]

O

Hola,
I am along the Camino Frances and finally getting close to arriving in Santiago! I am supposed to arrive on the feast day. As I have conversations with people from Spain, many are recommending to avoid Santiago on the 25th due to recent terrorist attacks... in Nice, etc. Anyone share that concern or heard similar advice? I am trying to decide what to do. Buon Camino mi amigos.

oh dear what a shame that you even have to ask this question,but in my opinion if you continue to worry about this then you may never venture past your own door .try not to worry and enjoy the grand final leg of your journey,,i wish you safe and happy travelling.

 

[mspath]

All life is chance; things are or are not. Do not worry about what you can't control but do hope for the best while trying to make things better....Keep on going on.

 

[fraluchi]

Since all accommodation in Santiago and in Galicia is pretty well sold out, there must be a lot of people who have no second thoughts of visiting. The probabilities of anything deadly happening are rather small. Dehydration maybe? Suffocation ? Drowning on beaches without guards ?

 

[Albertinho]

Since all accommodation in Santiago and in Galicia is pretty well sold out, there must be a lot of people who have no second thoughts of visiting. The probabilities of anything deadly happening are rather small. Dehydration maybe? Suffocation ? Drowning on beaches without guards ?

Angst is een slechte raadgever Adriaan !
fear is a bad counselor ! (Free translated from a Dutch saying )
En als de hemel naar beneden komt, dragen we allemaal een blauwe hoed !
When heaven (the blue sky) comes down, we all will wear a blue hat (As a variation on the theme!)

Houdoe !

 

[fraluchi]

Albertinho hits the nail on the head. Let's keep things in proportion. Those of you who have read Asterix comics will remember that Obelix was always scared of the sky falling on him. It blissfully never happened! Remember that Santiago is the patron saint of Spain, and that festivities will take place all over the country, not just Santiago.

 

[Castilian]

Hi Jenni along the way! Welcome to the forum!

As I have conversations with people from Spain, many are recommending to avoid Santiago on the 25th due to recent terrorist attacks... in Nice, etc.

I thought pilgrims had faith in Santiago and in God... As it seems faith isn't enough for you some more comments:

I'm Spanish, I live in Spain and I didn't hear or read there's any risk this year of a terrorist attack in Santiago de Compostela on July 25th higher than the overall risk of such attack anywhere else in Spain. In other words, the anti-terrorist alert level in all Spain is 4 (high) being the maximum 5 (very high) and I didn't hear or read it'll be increased on the date you quote.

Security in tourist areas and/or areas where there's a lot of people gathering (like it could be Santiago de Compostela on July 25th) is increased (even more).

More than 70 persons were arrested last year in Spain for activities related with yihadism.

If memory serves me right, there hasn't been a yihadist terrorist attack in Spain since 2004.

You never know where and how you are going to die but going to Santiago de Compostela on July 25th doesn't seem too risky.

Remember that Santiago is the patron saint of Spain, and that festivities will take place all over the country, not just Santiago.

Santiago is the Patron Saint of Spain but July 25th is public holiday just in 5 Autonomous Communities and in some towns in other Autonomous Communities which Patron Saint is Santiago. Out of Galicia (where July 25th is also the Galician National Day), festivities are basically just in towns which Patron Saint is Santiago (or any other Saint or Virgin celebrated in July 25th or close by).

 

[MinaKamina]

Dear Happy Go Lucky Fellow Pilgrims,

Terror level in Spain is currently at level 4 on a scale of 5, meaning there is a high but not imminent threat of an attack in Spain.
The Day of St. James in Santiago de Compostela counts as one of the most important security challenges. Thousands of tourists, pilgrims and locals will fill on July 25 and the days before and after the streets of the capital of Galicia, in a celebration of special Christian meaning, since Santiago is the patron of Spain and his memory played an important role in the Reconquista against the Muslims.
Police protection of for instance the Plaza del Obraidoro will be heavy, and even more strengthened than last year. Already, special forces are arriving in Santiago from Vigo and A Coruña. Among them are units from Riot Internvention Police, Prevention and Response Specialists, Subsuelo Specialists who inspect the sewers to prevent their use for attacks, and dog handlers with trained dogs looking for explosives and other threats. In addition to these units, there will be more police on the streets, both in uniform and plainclothes.

Spain has a lengthy history of fighting terrorism and many Spaniards are working hard to keep you safe.
Please remember them in your prayers, wherever you are.

Buen Camino.

http://www.elconfidencialautonomico...ta-Santiago-Plaza-Obradoiro_0_2748925085.html

 

[Kanga]

As a teenager many, many, years ago, living in a country in which coups occurred every few years and urban terrorism existed (yes, even 50 years ago) I was taught a few things for that environment that I think is applicable.

1. Don't let fear stop you from living your life but take sensible precautions.
2. Be aware of your surroundings. Look for exits.
3. If a crowd is gathering and you don't know the reason, walk away.
4. Never hesitate to make a scene, if something seems not right. The worst that can happen is that you will be embarrassed.

And let the Feast Day be joyful!

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

Hi Jenni
I applaud your courage in writing this post. All fears are valid and you should pay attention to your own feelings.

All the wise advice offered here is with good intent. However, in the end, only you can decide what you're comfortable with and there's no need to explain to anyone but yourself.

If you are in Santiago on the Feast Day @Kanga's advice will serve you very well. I follow a very similar protocol and have undertaken long treks in countries which were in civil conflict or war at the time. Purely by circumstance and not by choice I hasten to add. Oh, and the only truly dangerous situation I've experienced was back home in Adelaide. Walking to work one day some years ago I found myself in the midst of the Swat Squad and an armed seige.

Whatever you decide, savour your entrance into Santiago. Congratulations on your completing your pilgrimage.

Go Well.

@MinaKamina I will definitely light a candle and dedicate a prayer to all those who choose to risk themselves to protect others. Thank you for reminding us.

 

[Debora]

I'd like to take a moment to pray that God will protect us all and may the love of St. James and all the millions of beautiful and wonderful people in this world overcome the fear and hate of a few. Protect us all Dear Lord and keep Santiago de Compostela and our entire earthly home safe on the 25th and every day....and touch the minds and hearts of those who would want to destroy and fill them with your love.

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

There are many variations on this tale but this is my favourite. It describes why I choose to travel in what is considered by some as uncertain times.

The Appointment in Samarra
as retold by W. Somerset Maugham [1933]

The speaker is Death

There was a merchant in Bagdad who sent his servant to market to buy provisions and in a little while the servant came back, white and trembling, and said, Master, just now when I was in the marketplace I was jostled by a woman in the crowd and when I turned I saw it was Death that jostled me. She looked at me and made a threatening gesture, now, lend me your horse, and I will ride away from this city and avoid my fate. I will go to Samarra and there Death will not find me. The merchant lent him his horse, and the servant mounted it, and he dug his spurs in its flanks and as fast as the horse could gallop he went.

Then the merchant went down to the marketplace and he saw me standing in the crowd and he came to me and said, Why did you make a threating getsture to my servant when you saw him this morning?

That was not a threatening gesture, I said, it was only a start of surprise. I was astonished to see him in Bagdad, for I had an appointment with him tonight in Samarra.

 

[peregrina nicole]

Hi! I'm working as a Volunteer in the Oficina this week and next and we are concerned about security as is the city of Santiago. After seeing news of the attacks in Nice and Munich, being concerned is legitimate as this is a BIG festival and Santiago is the patron saint of Spain. There are images of Santiago Peregrino (St James the Pilgrim) but there are also images of Santiago Matamoros (St. James, the slayer of Moors) in churches along the Camino. In the Cathedral, there is an image of Santiago Matamoros, but the dead Moor has been covered by flowers, so all you see is Santiago on a horse with a raised sword. The dead Moor was covered because years ago, Muslims complained about this image. You can read more about this image of Santiago on the web but it refers to his role in the 'reconquest' of Spain from Muslims. Of course, this happened after he had been martyred. He 'appeared' on a white horse and with a sword at a key battle and lead the Spanish to victory. So, Santiago as a figure is laden with symbolism which isn't 'Muslim friendly'.

The city of Santiago recognises that it is a potential target during the festival, so unlike Nice or Munich it is prepared. Last year it had a massive security presence (nothing happened) and will have the same this year. The Correos Gallego says that over 500 security officers are being deployed in Santiago. Most of these will be in the old part of town. The best advice I can offer if you are here in Santiago and are concerned about a terrorist threat is to simply avoid crowded public areas, like the Cathedral. If you do go to the Cathedral, you will not be allowed to enter with a backpack (but this 'rule' has been in place for a few years). If you are expecting to be able to enter the Cathedral you will need to arrive well before the mass (like 2 hours) as there will be security checks and the place will fill up fast.

In the Oficina, our main concern is the peregrinos who are arriving today and tomorrow and who have no accomodation booked. The Voz de Galicia reported that hotel bookings in the old part of town are at 100% for the 24th and 25th. As I have said in a previous post, the Oficina does not deal with hotel bookings. You have to go to tourist information for this. We have no way of being able to deal with bookings as our computers are not hooked up to hotel sites. We stamp your credencial and issue an appropriate certificate to peregrinos who meet the minimum requirements.

We will direct anyone looking for accomodation to the Tourist Information Office on Rua do Vilar. You might get lucky and snag a cancellation. There should be places for peregrinos in Monte de Gozo (on the French Route). Bus 6 from Plaza de Galicia will take you there.

Buen Camino!
I

 

[Bad Pilgrim]

Hola,
I am along the Camino Frances and finally getting close to arriving in Santiago! I am supposed to arrive on the feast day. As I have conversations with people from Spain, many are recommending to avoid Santiago on the 25th due to recent terrorist attacks... in Nice, etc. Anyone share that concern or heard similar advice? I am trying to decide what to do. Buon Camino mi amigos.

Hi,

I arrived in Santiago 20 of June and headed home the 22 (just a few days ago). In order to AVOID the 25th... because of crowds, noise and drunken people. It wasn't the terrorists that worried me... Been there, done that...

Already the 20 of June I saw several policemen with heavy guns around the cathedral, so security has indeed been enhanced. Spanish newspaper write about this a lot so they are aware of possible threats. As they have taken precautions I think that people should try to feel safe and concentrate on the fiesta and on having a good time, I mean what else can you do! If you're immune to drunk people, screaming and sleepless nights that is...............

/BP

 

[peregrina2000]

I was in Santiago for the fireworks at midnight on the 24th a couple of years ago, and some of the people I was with were concerned about safety. So two of them scoped out a spot in Obradoiro where they thought a quick "getaway" would be easy to accomplish. Specifically, we stood to the right of the Pazo do Raxoi (with your back to the building, that is, facing the cathedral), right next to the stairs going down (not the stairs in front of the parador, the ones directly opposite). I am not offering this as a suggestion, nor would I have done this if I had been on my own, but for those who are fearful but want to see the show, this might be a good place to position yourself.

 

[purplesage]

Hola,
I am along the Camino Frances and finally getting close to arriving in Santiago! I am supposed to arrive on the feast day. As I have conversations with people from Spain, many are recommending to avoid Santiago on the 25th due to recent terrorist attacks... in Nice, etc. Anyone share that concern or heard similar advice? I am trying to decide what to do. Buon Camino mi amigos.

You've done well so far, Jenni. Follow your heart. All will be well. Buen Camino Caesar

 

[pilgrim b]

Yes Jenni a warm welcome to the forum . Just do what you have been doing on camino , taking one step at a time, one moment at a time. Buen Camino

 

[Diane Kinney]

As a teenager many, many, years ago, living in a country in which coups occurred every few years and urban terrorism existed (yes, even 50 years ago) I was taught a few things for that environment that I think is applicable.

1. Don't let fear stop you from living your life but take sensible precautions.
2. Be aware of your surroundings. Look for exits.
3. If a crowd is gathering and you don't know the reason, walk away.
4. Never hesitate to make a scene, if something seems not right. The worst that can happen is that you will be embarrassed.

And let the Feast Day be joyful!

Thank you Kanga. You summed up perfectly what, for me, is the balance of living life and being reasonable.
I was at a party last night where I was questioned, kindly, about the decision to go to Paris with my granddaughter last month, and my decision to return to the Camino next May (with husband and granddaughter joining for the last 100). "Was/is it wise?" "Aren't you afraid?" "Is it worth the risk?" To which I could only reply if we stop living, terrorists win. Not the best answer and can sound a bit haughty (not my intention). I wish I had your balanced words to better explain what I meant.
Diane

 

[Violet]

Dear Happy Go Lucky Fellow Pilgrims,

Terror level in Spain is currently at level 4 on a scale of 5, meaning there is a high but not imminent threat of an attack in Spain.
The Day of St. James in Santiago de Compostela counts as one of the most important security challenges. Thousands of tourists, pilgrims and locals will fill on July 25 and the days before and after the streets of the capital of Galicia, in a celebration of special Christian meaning, since Santiago is the patron of Spain and his memory played an important role in the Reconquista against the Muslims.
Police protection of for instance the Plaza del Obraidoro will be heavy, and even more strengthened than last year. Already, special forces are arriving in Santiago from Vigo and A Coruña. Among them are units from Riot Internvention Police, Prevention and Response Specialists, Subsuelo Specialists who inspect the sewers to prevent their use for attacks, and dog handlers with trained dogs looking for explosives and other threats. In addition to these units, there will be more police on the streets, both in uniform and plainclothes.

Spain has a lengthy history of fighting terrorism and many Spaniards are working hard to keep you safe.
Please remember them in your prayers, wherever you are.

Buen Camino.

http://www.elconfidencialautonomico...ta-Santiago-Plaza-Obradoiro_0_2748925085.html

Dear MinaKamina and fellow peregrinos,
Thank you for that information and perspective. You are so correct. I will keep y'all in my prayers and thoughts. Especially those risking their lives to keep civilians safe and all of you over there at this time. Safe travels and do not let fear conquer your journey. Just be safe and aware of your surroundings.
Buen Camino
Violet

 

[kerrychick]

Random acts of violence are one thing we just cant guard ourselves against

this new evil is very scary ,lets all try to counteract this with

Random acts of kindness
and try to lead a full life not in fear but in gratitude .

 

[fraluchi]

By this time of day the 25th of July in Santiago has gone into the 26th. Apparently without bodily harm to anybody due to terrorism. Other injuries/accidents may have been regrettably "as usual". Do not let fear to lead your normal activities, but stay away from abnormal situations/behaviour.

 

[jsalt]

Do not let fear to lead your normal activities, but stay away from abnormal situations/behaviour.

Jenni has not been seen since she posted her original message, so she has not seen any replies. We assume that all is well! Jill