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Hi there, Im just wondering how Holy Year affects the Camino with regards to booking and busyness. I plan to do the CF mid August 2021 but with it being a Holy Year are there any pilgrims out there who have walked during a Holy Year and what effects this had on your walk? Thanks so much
I walked in the Holy Year of 2016 but fortunately, very few knew that it had been designated a holy year or year of mercy. As to a Jacobean holy year, I can only speculate that given the year on year increase in numbers, it will be very busy at certain stages. The stage from Sarria for 100 Km will be the busiest as so many people choose to only do that section but it is the same every year. I always try to walk off stage especially after Sarria. Pass through Sarria to Barbadelo or stop in Mercadoiro instead of Portomarin. Little places like Ligonda and San Xulien. The crowds dont or cant book for little places like these so these are the places I aim for if its busy.Hi there, Im just wondering how Holy Year affects the Camino with regards to booking and busyness. I plan to do the CF mid August 2021 but with it being a Holy Year are there any pilgrims out there who have walked during a Holy Year and what effects this had on your walk? Thanks so much
Originally the advantage was that pilgrims could receive a plenary indulgence during the holy year. Though that is often misunderstood these days and I doubt that it is a significant driving force for many now. For one thing some people mistakenly believe that walking a Camino in itself qualifies a person for the indulgence. In fact walking is not one of the requirements. There is a certain novelty value in being able to enter the cathedral through the special door which is only opened in holy years. But I think that mostly it just has the appeal of being a "special occasion" without anyone really understanding whyWhat is the advantage of walking during a holy year? Why are people more likely to do it then?
It runs from December 31. Here is a description of the opening ceremony:Others, older and wiser than I am, will know the dates but the actual holy year is not the calendar year. It might start at Easter or maybe on the saint's birthday. But it doesn't run from January 1 to December 31. So that increase in numbers won't start on January 1.
Gene, thanks for posting the data. I’ve been planning my second Camino since 2018, but my job kept forcing me to postpone... The only time I can go is spring or summer 2021. That’s why I’ve been tracking all posts about the holy year. I figured switching to Invierno in Ponferrada will help with the crowds and your data confirms it. I will be walking in spring, starting mid-March.Thanks peterbells for posting the pilgrims count from the American Pilgrims website! Yes, it's likely that about half of the arrivals in Santiago in 2021 will have started in Sarria. Two more graphs attached here: Don't walk in July and August. And avoid the francés after Sarria. The number of pilgrims walking the francés *prior* to Sarria hasn't changed one whit in the last five years. Walk the francés and peel off at Ponferrada to finish on the invierno.
Thanks... but when you say the Meseta will be hot are you speaking literally or metaphorically??!If I was really asked an opinion about walking in 2021 I think I would advise against it. But that is just my "quirky" opinion.
How busy is it likely to be - well may I suggest you have at look at the pilgrim numbers in 2009 and compare those to 2010. From memory it went up by over 100,000 (but that was across all Camino routes). Given how much pilgrim numbers have increased between (say) 2017 and 2019 you might get a bit of an idea how big 2021 will be.
How busy it is going to be in August 2021 no one can really say, but one thing is for sure - the Meseta will be hot.. In terms of accommodation I think I would start looking for whats on offer now (yes I know its 16 months out). I have just made my bookings in Santiago for June this year and I had to take my third option.
Buen Camino
I was kind of hoping that going mid August by the time I get to the half way stage and beyond ( with the exception of the last 100km )… it wont be so bad??I have already booked all my lodging for my May 2021 Camino, and places are already filling up.
If that's any indication of how crowded it will be . . .
If you walk the Meseta in July or August then literally it will be hot - day time temps up to 40C (105F) should be expected. So early starts and walking between 14.00 and 16.00 not recommended if it is over 35C. CheersThanks... but when you say the Meseta will be hot are you speaking literally or metaphorically??!
a possible "pilgrimage of young Europeans to Santiago (Pej21)" was anticipated*.I plan to do the CF mid August 2021 but with it being a Holy Year a.....
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