Blue arrows on the Camino Frances

[Bert Groenewoudt]

Blue arrows on the Camino Portugues point in the direction of Fatima, so I am told. However, I have also seen blue arrows (pointing in the opposite direction as the yellow ones do) on the Camino Frances. especially in Galicia as far as I remember. What is their meaning? Do they perhaps point towards Lourdes?

 

[t2andreo]

Where, more precisely have you seen these arrows? Like between what towns or hamlets?

There are several other Camino routes that cross, intersect and sometimes parallel the Frances.

We would need more information to provide an accurate answer.

However, I am certain that MSPATH or other of our esteemed peregrino colleagues can provide a ready answer.

I hope this helps.

 

[MTtoCamino]

I always figured they ran out of yellow paint. The arrows are blue & sometimes yellow after Santiago to the ocean

 

[LTfit]

In my experience they are markers to help those walking backwards along the Francés, often with a spiral ending in an arrow.

 

[Dinkumdigger]

In my experience they are markers to help those walking backwards along the Francés, often with a spiral ending in an arrow.

Last year,after completing CF,I walked part of the way home on el Norte,Arzua to Ribadeo and the blue arrows saved my bacon a few times.

 

[BeatriceKarjalainen]

Blue are the backward arrows. I was told by a hospitaliero in Vilacha that it started a couple of years ago with a woman who walked to Santiago and then when she walked back she painted blue arrows with a little curl in the end. I saw this kind of arrows looking back on the Norte as well.

 

[JabbaPapa]

Yeah, the blue are mainly the "backwards" ones, which includes "backwards" from Santiago to Fatima.

I have seen them on the Way to Rome, but it seems that after discussions, they've finally opted for white arrows to Rome (and so the white and yellow arrows to Rome and Santiago reproduce the colours of the Vatican flag).

 

[Bert Groenewoudt]

Blue are the backward arrows. I was told by a hospitaliero in Vilacha that it started a couple of years ago with a woman who walked to Santiago and then when she walked back she painted blue arrows with a little curl in the end. I saw this kind of arrows looking back on the Norte as well.

Thank you all. The blue arrows we noticed indeed pointed in the opposite direction. Should they perhaps be seen as an invitation NOT to go to the (Christian) place of pilgrimage Santiago de Compostella at all? Combination blue arrows - Celtic spirals made me wonder. In a spiritual sense the Camino to Santiago seems to have become 'contested space'.

 

[Bert Groenewoudt]

Where, more precisely have you seen these arrows? Like between what towns or hamlets?

There are several other Camino routes that cross, intersect and sometimes parallel the Frances.

We would need more information to provide an accurate answer.

However, I am certain that MSPATH or other of our esteemed peregrino colleagues can provide a ready answer.

I hope this helps.

Thanks! Well, especially in Galicia

Where, more precisely have you seen these arrows? Like between what towns or hamlets?

There are several other Camino routes that cross, intersect and sometimes parallel the Frances.

We would need more information to provide an accurate answer.

However, I am certain that MSPATH or other of our esteemed peregrino colleagues can provide a ready answer.

I hope this helps.

Only in Galicia, as far as I can remember, often combined with 'Celtic' spirals. Perhaps someone can tell me if they also occur further to the east.

 

[LTfit]

They can be see in other provinces, not only in Galicia. Once again, no hidden meaning as far as I know. Some choose to walk to Santiago and then return home along the same Camino. When no one is around they are a godsend (which doesn't happen much along the Francés).

Walking with my dog this past fall along the Francés in Navarra en Castilla y León we often walked half a stage and returned "backwards". It actually is quite fun to walk against the flow as you get to see pilgrim's faces walking towards you and many stop to talk although I think that they were more interested in my dog than me.

 

[Nanc]

I was told they are for cyclists (who arent doing a backwards camino) but rather part of the common races in the area. I did see a lot of local bike teams doing that

 

[t2andreo]

IMHO, this observation needs more input...especially from the "sprockethead" community... (I meant that affectionately).

 

[JabbaPapa]

Should they perhaps be seen as an invitation NOT to go to the (Christian) place of pilgrimage Santiago de Compostella at all?

They lead to other Catholic Pilgrimage destinations -- Fatima, Lourdes, Rome etc.

The Camino originally was after all the old Roman road from Lugo towards Gaul and then Rome via Leon and Pampelona ...

 

[Bert Groenewoudt]

IMHO, this observation needs more input...especially from the "sprockethead" community... (I meant that affectionately).

I don't know what that means, but yes, more input would certainly be welcome. Up to now opinions seem to differ. I am writing an article on 'Contemporary expressions of faith along the Camino Frances'. Thanks!

 

[t2andreo]

Just as an FYI, the term "sprockethead" is a reference to the serious bicyclists who view life over handlebars...and frequently to the exclusion of pedestrians and pilgrims.

It is not an insult. It is similar to calling someone who is tech-centric a "geek."

In fact, members of this cycling fraternity frequently refer to themselves using this term. In earlier years, I too, was an avid member of the sprockethead set...

I hope this clarifies.