The story is that there has been a 61% increase over the numbers recorded in Holy Week last year. Are you saying that every Holy Week is that much bigger than the preceding year's?
It appears that each year has a larger volume than the previous year. This progression has been occurring since around 2005 or so. Each Holy Year, per se, usually has a HUGE increase over the previous non-Holy Year.
Within these increases, I believe, but do not have the facts in front of me, that Semana Santa and Easter Week volumes are larger each year as well. I am NOT suggesting a 61% increase.
We are seeing a snowballing effect on the Camino. As it is more advertised, featured in reports, books, and films, the popularity and curiosity spreads. Each year, it gets bigger and bigger.
Last year, we saw more than 300,000 pilgrims (the folks who were received and recorded at the Pilgrim Office). This DOES NOT include the solo sello folks or those who choose not to approach the Pilgrim Office for any reason. These latter categories are simply not counted.
My estimate, based on known historical facts, is that the Holy Year 2021 annual volume will likely exceed 600,000 pilgrims and may well hit 650,000. In fact, I am am intentionally NOT planning on walking that year. I plan to instead offer my services for two separate months as a volunteer because they will need the extra help to address the coming wave.
The Cathedral authorities and Pilgrim Office management are working to try to get ready for the coming surge in pilgrims. That is why the renovations are underway NOW.
It is also why the renovations at the Pilgrim Office are still being addressed. There is added processing and reception space for pilgrims being developed at the rear of the building, in the garden. The current processing scheme is merely an interim solution, until the added space is finished. When done, the process and queues will change, but will be at the same address.
Hope this helps.