9% increase in pilgrim numbers so far this year

As I write from Palas Del Rei I can confirm that it is mighty busy. I last walked the Frances in May 2015. This year for the month of July I'd say if anything SJPdP-Sarria was less busy than my previous experience but yesterday and today the crowds seem totally overwhelming.

Pilgrim arrivals statistics: January - July 2017

July closed with an overall increase, compared to the same period in 2016, of 4% with cumulative figures for the year + 9%.

The Camino Frances pilgrims increased by only 3%, with a decrease in long range pilgrims (SJPP, Roncesvalles, Pamplona: - 3%). In compensation, starters from Sarria increased substantially (+ 11%).

Noticeable increases are arrivals from other Caminos. Particularly those walking the Portugues (approx.. 35’000) are showing an increase of 27% compared to last year. They represented 22% of all Santiago arrivals.

Pilgrims who had chosen other Caminos numbered approximately 9’000 Norte (+ 7%), 7’000 Primitivo (+ 19%), 6’000 Ingles (+ 13%), 5’500 VdlP (no change), and few on the Invierno and other Caminos.

Banning disasters, the trend is set this year for over 300’000 arrivals.