There are several current threads on the Primitivo with questions and comments about crowds. I took a look at the Cathedral's yearly statistics, http://peregrinossantiago.es/esp/servicios-al-peregrino/informes-estadisticos/
I've just gone back to 2008, when I first walked, but the website goes back further.
2008 -- 2719
2009 -- 3388
2010 (Holy Year) -- 7661 (2.8% of all pilgrims getting the compostela)
2011 -- 5, 544 (3%)
2012 -- 6349 (3.3%)
2013 -- 6,85 (3.17%)
2014 -- 8275 (3.48%)
2015 -- 11,428 (4.35%)
I am not a statistician but it seems pretty clear that in addition to the growth in absolute numbers, the Primitivo is becoming more popular vis a vis the other caminos.
The Primitivo pilgrims are probably concentrated into fewer months than some of the other caminos, so the crunches may be felt more acutely.
And I also think the numbers probably under-report. Many people starting in Irun turn left at Villaviciosa and continue on the Primitivo, so I think they are counted in the pilgrim office as pilgrims on the Norte.
I walked the first time in October, 2008 and there were always pilgrims at the albergue, no crowd, no rush, perfect weather. AHHHHHHH.
The second time, in late June, 2011, nice groups, no rushes, no crowding (except for the night in Berducedo, but the private albergue was open then and took the overflow -- but it is NOT very highly regarded).
So if 2015 had more than twice the numbers of 2011 when I last walked, I guess I'm in for some crowding this summer. Looking at the lists of accommodations/albergues, they certainly haven't doubled since I walked.
Well, it's too bad we didn't heed Anemone's advice and keep our mouths shut about this lovely camino! Buen camino, Laurie
I've just gone back to 2008, when I first walked, but the website goes back further.
2008 -- 2719
2009 -- 3388
2010 (Holy Year) -- 7661 (2.8% of all pilgrims getting the compostela)
2011 -- 5, 544 (3%)
2012 -- 6349 (3.3%)
2013 -- 6,85 (3.17%)
2014 -- 8275 (3.48%)
2015 -- 11,428 (4.35%)
I am not a statistician but it seems pretty clear that in addition to the growth in absolute numbers, the Primitivo is becoming more popular vis a vis the other caminos.
The Primitivo pilgrims are probably concentrated into fewer months than some of the other caminos, so the crunches may be felt more acutely.
And I also think the numbers probably under-report. Many people starting in Irun turn left at Villaviciosa and continue on the Primitivo, so I think they are counted in the pilgrim office as pilgrims on the Norte.
I walked the first time in October, 2008 and there were always pilgrims at the albergue, no crowd, no rush, perfect weather. AHHHHHHH.
The second time, in late June, 2011, nice groups, no rushes, no crowding (except for the night in Berducedo, but the private albergue was open then and took the overflow -- but it is NOT very highly regarded).
So if 2015 had more than twice the numbers of 2011 when I last walked, I guess I'm in for some crowding this summer. Looking at the lists of accommodations/albergues, they certainly haven't doubled since I walked.
Well, it's too bad we didn't heed Anemone's advice and keep our mouths shut about this lovely camino! Buen camino, Laurie