Holy Year: 2021

[dfox]

As there would be a surge of pilgrims in 2021, the holy year, the trail, hotels, etc. could be crowded.

When planning a pilgrimage in the Holy Year, mid-May in 2021, what things one needs to be mindful of? Any pointers will be appreciated.

Thanks,

DF

 

[jefferyonthecamino]

As there would be a surge of pilgrims in 2021, the holy year, the trail, hotels, etc. could be crowded.

When planning a pilgrimage in the Holy Year, mid-May in 2021, what things one needs to be mindful of? Any pointers will be appreciated.

Thanks,

DF

Avoid the albergues municipales, book your bed and avoid the rush hours. Can't think of anything else. Walk in late October/early April?

 

[PiryatJos]

I still have a year and a half before I even start planning. So far I'm thinking it's best to avoid the Frances. It's already busy July, it's going to be impossible to reliably get somewhere each night. My current plan is to walk the Northern Way, I live close to a ferry service to northern Spain so will walk to there then ferry to Santander then to Santiago. It appeals to me to take a no modern technology approach and can't walk from on living on an island so it'll be by boat. I'm very highly considering camping much of the trail, this will reduce cost and have peace of mind of not worrying so much about a bed rush. I don't foresee an issue with local governments if the places are full.

It's still too early to make plans more than arranging the time off. I took 6 weeks last year off, 6 weeks this year, I might not get to take 6 weeks next year so doubt I would the year after without a year gap.

 

[Tincatinker]

If you are making pilgrimage to Santiago all the rest is just noise. Make your pilgrimage and be done

 

[jerbear]

My worries never appear

 

[scruffy1]

Buen Camino! Grin and bear it! Busiest times will be around Easter and high summer. Otherwise, you roll the dice and take your chance. Are you still worried? Stop at the albergue in the town/village just before the guidebook recommended stops - will require a short day to set up.

 

[Harington]

As there would be a surge of pilgrims in 2021, the holy year, the trail, hotels, etc. could be crowded.

When planning a pilgrimage in the Holy Year, mid-May in 2021, what things one needs to be mindful of? Any pointers will be appreciated.

Thanks,

DF

In 2011 many on the Camino Francés said Holy Year 2010 was less busy, as evryone tried to avoid the crowds it might bring

 

[Bradypus]

In 2011 many on the Camino Francés said Holy Year 2010 was less busy, as evryone tried to avoid the crowds it might bring

The Compostela total for the 2010 Holy Year was 272, 135. The next year's figure was 'only' 183,366. A bit of a puzzler to work out why 2010 might have seemed less busy with such a significantly larger number on the hoof?

 

[Lucy Keenan]

As there would be a surge of pilgrims in 2021, the holy year, the trail, hotels, etc. could be crowded.

When planning a pilgrimage in the Holy Year, mid-May in 2021, what things one needs to be mindful of? Any pointers will be appreciated.

Thanks,

DF

I would think it's going to be very busy.

 

[KinkyOne]

Frances, Norte, Primitivo, Portugues and Ingles will be packed in main season. Maybe even Via de la Plata. Why not walk one of the less walked Caminos? There are plenty of them:

CAMINOS DE SANTIAGO | El Camino de Santiago de RayyRosa

Descripción de todos los Caminos de Santiago. Con una completa información sobre todas las rutas a Santiago, así como su historia, etapas, mapas etc.

www.rayyrosa.com

 

[Jim]

I would think it's going to be very busy.

You bet! It will have been 11 full years since the last holy year. This does not ordinarily happen, so it is infrequent. I’m thinking it might be a madhouse.

 

[Gerry O]

Is the first part of the Camino from SJdePP to Burgos likely to be as busy as the rest of the walk in the Holy Year ?

 

[LTfit]

The Compostela total for the 2010 Holy Year was 272, 135. The next year's figure was 'only' 183,366. A bit of a puzzler to work out why 2010 might have seemed less busy with such a significantly larger number on the hoof?

Indeed. I walked my first Camino July 2010 and there was a real problem during the last 100 km, before that none at all. Towns opened up the polideportivos to accommodate the huge increase in pilgrims but in O Cebreiro there was no other option but to sleep outside or taxi somewhere else. I ended up sleeping at the entrance way of the church with 8 others. As it was July, I didn't have a sleeping bag or mat. Someone gave me an emergency blanket but it was freezing, making it impossible to sleep.! I ended up getting up at 3 a.m. to walk! Double the amount of people walking (estimates for 2021 are 500,000) and the army will need to set up tents all along the last 100 km of the Camino.

Interesting to note the increase in albergues since the last Holy Year. This past October I repeated the Francés from SJPDP once again and the sheet of albergues given to me at the pilgrim office had 5 sides, the one from 2010 had 2.

 

[Harington]

The Compostela total for the 2010 Holy Year was 272, 135. The next year's figure was 'only' 183,366. A bit of a puzzler to work out why 2010 might have seemed less busy with such a significantly larger number on the hoof?

I cannot say; I only report. The opinions quoted were offered during May.

 

[MaryLynn]

If you are making pilgrimage to Santiago all the rest is just noise. Make your pilgrimage and be done