Number of arriving pilgrims soars in Holy Week

[JohnnieWalker]

Hola

The number of pilgrims who arrived at the Pilgrims' Office in Santiago in the first three months of the year appeared to be down on previous years. This led some people to suggest the Camino might be fading in popularity. Others blamed the weather, the exchange rate and a variety of other causes. In fact the dip in numbers was caused by when Holy Week and Easter falls. These are moveable feasts.

Comparing the numbers for the last three years in the period from El Viernes de Dolores (the Friday before Palm Sunday) to Easter Monday:

Pilgrims Registering at the Pilgrims' Office:

2012 - 7,042

2013 - 5833

2014 - 9055

The Camino is alive and well and continues to grow!

Best regards from Santiago

John

 

[jillmom]

I'm proud to say I was one of them, John. My son and I arrived on April 19 having started in O Ceberiero on April 12. It's the best thing I've ever done, and I miss it already.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

There were 1,496 on April 19. You had a lot of company.

 

[Rambler]

John:
Are you seeing that surge continuing in this week after Easter? I would image it is impacting you all in the Pilgrim office if so. That is quite a jump!

Rambler

 

[brawblether]

Wow what an increase. What do you think caused the dip in 2013? (Or was 2012 a hike and 2013 more on par with 2011?)

 

[KinkyOne]

John:
Are you seeing that surge continuing in this week after Easter? I would image it is impacting you all in the Pilgrim office if so. That is quite a jump!

Rambler

Hi!

You can see it here day-by-day:
http://peregrinossantiago.es/eng/

Ultreia!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

For the month of April there will be over 17,200 pilgrims. There were 11,533 last year, 14,751 in 2012, 14,154 in 2011, and 19,587 in the Holy Year of 2010. Easter week makes a difference in March and April statistics, but it is clear that the numbers will be up!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

The published count is 17,164, but they always revise the daily counts up a bit when they get to the final tally.