LIVE from the Camino First pilgrims

I saw today the first two groups of pilgrims crossing my hometown. One group of two and one of four.

I asked them how many pilgrims were on the way and how about the albergues. They told me that there were between 4 and 6 pilgrims in the albergue and that most of the albergues were open.

Not bad taking into consideration that my hometown is in the middle of the Camino del Norte. I assume that at the beginning of the camino should be more pilgrims and for sure even more in the CF. Also considering the different albergues, 4/6 per albergue, you can assume around 20 pilgrims walking this stage today.

Today I spoke to another pilgrim, a French lady.

She told me that she met about 10 pilgrims at each albergue. 90% European 10% other continents. 50-60% Spanish, 40-50% other countries.

Regarding the pilgrim dinner, she told me that most of the albergues that normally organize a pilgrim dinner and that have a room large enough to maintain a certain social distance continue to do so ... let's say that about 70% of the albergues that were organizing these dinners still do so.

Now regarding the wearing of masks: She told me that most pilgrims wear the mask when they cross towns, and take it off when they leave the town. I was also told that a small number of pilgrims consider the Camino as a sports activity and do not wear the mask at any time.

Probably, in a strict reading of the regulations, the Camino could be considered as a sports activity and you are not obliged to wear a mask ... anyway, I would strongly suggest wearing the mask every time you cross a town ... You will protect your health, the health of the local people and the health of the other pilgrims you will meet along the Camino. IMHO covid is not a legal problem but a health problem and a little common sense is more important than the wording of the regulations.