Burgos has record year

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Another year of record in the Way
Jorge A. Lopez / Burgos - Tuesday, January 8, 2013

The number of pilgrims increases during 2012, reaching close to 30,000 in the municipal shelter
It grows every year. Also in cycles Jacobean not like that just ended, and in which the Pilgrims Burgos once again registered a slight increase of accommodation. Interestingly, the numbers are even better because the number of Spanish who passed through Burgos has dropped, increasing the foreigners who have completed the Camino de Santiago.

If in 2011 were 28,906 pilgrims spent the night in the municipal shelter, failing official confirmation in 2012 the figure had risen to nearly 30,000. The Spanish are still the majority, but they have suffered a loss of about 10% which was offset by Europeans (Germany, France and Italy again in the lead) and, this time, also by pilgrims from South Korea, that have appeared strongly. In fact, Koreans were dominated by a date as indicated as Christmas Eve.

The steady increase in the number of people around the world who choose to devote several weeks to reach on foot or bike to Santiago de Compostela to honor the Holy proud to Jesus Aguirre. Remember the president of the Association of Friends of the Camino de Santiago that the reason must be the primary spiritual to undertake the pilgrimage, though he admits that many other reasons, with the tourist in the lead, have gained prominence. "I do not care so much quantified data, which is also important, as the fact that once again we have been able to accommodate and assist the needs of all the pilgrims who have gone through the shelter," he admits.

Precisely because of the importance Aguirre gives good treatment to be great hosts, highlighting the work of hospitaleros: "I can only have words of thanks for all of them. Without their selfless work would be impossible to maintain the facility. Just think of the cost that would (hire) the necessary staff and does not viable. " In 2012 again have been fifty volunteers who have helped the pilgrims in all their demands.

"not for me to talk about the term tourism, but I dare say that since the Association and individual hospitaleros we conducted a important social work that benefits the entire city, making public, as far as possible the points of interest, "he says. In fact, also the catering trade and benefit "high occupancy" that is shelter throughout the year.

September, complete

The busiest month of 2012, marking a milestone in the hostel, was September, when the days are occupied all the 150 beds available to the reception center. "I commented at the time that was something spectacular. And, he adds, was a great satisfaction to us that with such an influx (which add those who passed through there and could no longer stay) nobody left unaddressed and no answer to their questions. "

All other months number of pilgrims responded to normal, although there was an increase in May, which has gained strength. Even expect higher occupancy data are in the fifth month of the year than during the summer.

Nochevieja en compañía

More recently, it has been interesting for both members of the Association of Friends of the Camino de Santiago hospitaleros as for the large number of pilgrims who come to the center in recent Burgos dates. On Christmas Eve there were 24 walkers and on the last night of the year 13, only one of them come from Spanish and Catalan.

On these special days in the hostel was varied slightly the usual protocol and schedules. On Christmas Eve, after dinner pilgrims flocked to the Cathedral to attend midnight mass and the new year was greeted with the traditional grapes in central accommodation but not later excesses. "Although we did something more than a blind eye, was unshakable that each person can only spend one night," recalls Jesus Aguirre.

Ultimately, a new record year, as usual since it opened on August 8, 2008 the new shelter of the House of Cubes. The Camino de Santiago is more alive than ever.

http://www.diariodeburgos.es/noticia/ZE ... ord/camino