In 2022, pilgrims from 100kms out or less (from all routes) were about 44% of the total.
So about 56% were distance walkers, including some impressive starting points like Jerusalem and Russia.
So far this year that balance is roughly 42% short distance, 58% long distance.
Compared to the percentage on the Francés alone, what that says to me is that, yes, lots of people are starting in Sarria. But overall, what's interesting is when you have a deeper look, those who choose Sarria over other shorter routes, the percentages are (for this year) 58% Sarria versus 42% other 100km or less starting points. Lots of people start other places. But it's no real surprise that we notice the Sarria effect because the majority of short pilgrimages (a bit less than ⅗) start there. The other ⅖ are spread out all around Galicia.
Not that individual people are using these numbers when deciding where to start walking. But word of mouth might be affecting where groups start.
@LTfit just came into Santiago off the Invierno and encountered a huge group of students (80? something like that). A trend may be slowly starting of groups finding other routes besides Sarria, to avoid the crush.
You have to admit it has a ring to it.
This is something that needs to be repeatedly hammered home. May and September are peak months for those who start from SJPP.