Buying credenciales for subsequent caminos

[henrythedog]

Quite a number of threads posted by second-timers ask ‘where can I get a credencial in x?’

It’s worth bearing in mind that when arriving in Santiago and claiming your Compostela - if you choose to do - that you can buy new credencials at the pilgrim reception office. I always keep a few spares at home in case the opportunity presents itself unexpectedly.

 

[amancio]

You are not the only one! In fact, I keep a few with me, they are a beautiful present to give!

 

[Turga]

they are a beautiful present to give!

That is a great idea! Could inspire others.

 

[amancio]

That is a great idea! Could inspire others.

People really value that, if they are undecissive and you give them one credential, they see it as a sign and feel more determined to take the leap! The problem is when some thing of you as a credential provider and come back to you time after time for more, that is not what I was meaning todo!

 

[jeanineonthecamino]

YES! I also buy from Ivar's store or the American pilgrims assoc... and buy a couple extras.

 

[estorildon]

Absolutely, go for it! Of course, there are "collectibles" printed for special years and by different confraternities but why muck them up with a bunch of stamps, perspiration and rain damage; when you hang onto their covers as mementos of your years on the Camino. I have a few for sure and just added to my collection with a new one from the albergue in Lisbon.

 

[Pafayac]

In France at least, this is not such an easy thing to get a new "blank" credential (in order to give it to someone else). For some mysterious reasons I did not succeed to clarify yet, hospitaleros or welcoming people are reluctant to deliver a credencial without writing the name of the recipient on it. Are they afraid of a credencial traffic ?
If you are not a member of an association, this is not so easy to get a credencial for someone else...

 

[jeanineonthecamino]

Absolutely, go for it! Of course, there are "collectibles" printed for special years and by different confraternities but why muck them up with a bunch of stamps, perspiration and rain damage; when you hang onto their covers as mementos of your years on the Camino. I have a few for sure and just added to my collection with a new one from the albergue in Lisbon.

Yes! I have the standard one that I used on the Frances in 2021. I have a "Holy Year" one that I used on the Norte/Primitivo in 2022. And I haven't used mine from the American pilgrim association yet - will use that one next time! But nice to have different credentials.

 

[J Willhaus]

When I worked in Zamora at the albergue, a gentleman came in and bought a number of credentials. He was giving them as a surprise Christmas gift to his girlfriend, parents, brother, and sister in law as a way of saying "we're doing a Camino together". (He also taught us how to use Google translate on that visit.)

 

[green_spork]

Yes! I have the standard one that I used on the Frances in 2021. I have a "Holy Year" one that I used on the Norte/Primitivo in 2022. And I haven't used mine from the American pilgrim association yet - will use that one next time! But nice to have different credentials.

I wanted the “Holy Year” edition for the walking the Primitivo in September!
They were totally sold out in the online store, but I managed to get one from a Dutch Pilgrim website, Camino Confort!
I thought for a “Special Edition” the credential was a little disappointing! The cover art was very “cut & paste” and the inside was rather plan!
The albergue I stayed at in Salas, had free Asturian credentials available!

 

[El Cascayal]

I always pick up extra Credenciales to give to future Peregrinos, what a joy to see their faces light up. Strangely on my last Camino, after doing a last minute unplanned for “rouge” mini Invierno from Diomondi, I was so thrilled to arrive at La oficina de Peregrinos, I forgot to get extras. Realized it on the flight back home. 😂🤣 I hope there is one hiding somewhere in my Camino stuff.

 

[jeanineonthecamino]

I wanted the “Holy Year” edition for the walking the Primitivo in September!
They were totally sold out in the online store, but I managed to get one from a Dutch Pilgrim website, Camino Confort!
I thought for a “Special Edition” the credential was a little disappointing! The cover art was very “cut & paste” and the inside was rather plan!
The albergue I stayed at in Salas, had free Asturian credentials available!

Yeah - it wasn't anything special other than it said it was for the Holy Year - still - nice to have different looking credentials for when I eventually frame them.