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This is my+google translate translation of an article in the Vorarlberg News (Austria), 18.11.22:
‘Pilgrim flood on the Way of St. James’ Litter, noise and vandalism are increasing in Santiago de Compostela. SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
'...The destination of the Way of St. James in Santiago de Compostela is booming this year - even now in autumn when 430,000 pilgrims received the certificate of arrival in 2022, according to the pilgrimage authority Oficina del Peregrino. That is a good 20 percent more than in the entire previous record year 2019. Many do not even pick up the certificate - and are not counted. The cash registers are ringing louder than ever in the place of pilgrimage in north-west Spain. The operators of the now very expensive hotels, private accommodation, souvenir shops and restaurants are rubbing their hands. But not everyone is happy. Because unlike in Lourdes or Fátima, religiosity and devotion are no longer the focus of the stream of visitors. Litter, noise and vandalism are increasing. Many residents of the UNESCO-protected old town are angry or desperate. "It's a trend that started a few years ago, but this year it was particularly bad, in the summer it was simply unbearable at times," says a resident of the German Press Agency. In the centre of the capital of Galicia, it is very noisy during the day. Then a lot more in the evening. Especially in the Rua de Franco, the 400 meter long party mile not far from the cathedral.
The criticism in the media and social networks is drastic. Mass tourism "like in Venice or Mallorca" is bringing the city with 60,000 inhabitants and the limited infrastructure "to the brink of collapse". Traditional trade is being pushed out by souvenir shops, hip bars and chains. Because of the Airbnb boom, there is a dramatic housing shortage. Regional media warn that the Way of St. James could "perish from its own success."...'
In had to read this through several times. It arouses many emotions in me as well as ‘...hang on a minute…’ ‘but...but...but’ and ‘...don’t forget…’ I've never been aware of this '...400 meter... Party Mile' (??)', a contradiction and exaggeration in itself. I would welcome your feedback/discussion on article, especially from experienced moderators and pilgrims, people who live year-round in Santiago and 'first-impression' first-time pilgrims, to help me to piece together an objective response to this article. Official statistics will be welcome, too. My thoughts at the moment are:
What is your response?
Ralph Keith
‘Pilgrim flood on the Way of St. James’ Litter, noise and vandalism are increasing in Santiago de Compostela. SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
'...The destination of the Way of St. James in Santiago de Compostela is booming this year - even now in autumn when 430,000 pilgrims received the certificate of arrival in 2022, according to the pilgrimage authority Oficina del Peregrino. That is a good 20 percent more than in the entire previous record year 2019. Many do not even pick up the certificate - and are not counted. The cash registers are ringing louder than ever in the place of pilgrimage in north-west Spain. The operators of the now very expensive hotels, private accommodation, souvenir shops and restaurants are rubbing their hands. But not everyone is happy. Because unlike in Lourdes or Fátima, religiosity and devotion are no longer the focus of the stream of visitors. Litter, noise and vandalism are increasing. Many residents of the UNESCO-protected old town are angry or desperate. "It's a trend that started a few years ago, but this year it was particularly bad, in the summer it was simply unbearable at times," says a resident of the German Press Agency. In the centre of the capital of Galicia, it is very noisy during the day. Then a lot more in the evening. Especially in the Rua de Franco, the 400 meter long party mile not far from the cathedral.
The criticism in the media and social networks is drastic. Mass tourism "like in Venice or Mallorca" is bringing the city with 60,000 inhabitants and the limited infrastructure "to the brink of collapse". Traditional trade is being pushed out by souvenir shops, hip bars and chains. Because of the Airbnb boom, there is a dramatic housing shortage. Regional media warn that the Way of St. James could "perish from its own success."...'
In had to read this through several times. It arouses many emotions in me as well as ‘...hang on a minute…’ ‘but...but...but’ and ‘...don’t forget…’ I've never been aware of this '...400 meter... Party Mile' (??)', a contradiction and exaggeration in itself. I would welcome your feedback/discussion on article, especially from experienced moderators and pilgrims, people who live year-round in Santiago and 'first-impression' first-time pilgrims, to help me to piece together an objective response to this article. Official statistics will be welcome, too. My thoughts at the moment are:
- Is the article ‘alarmist’ and inaccurate, selective?
- Why is the finger is being pointed specifically at pilgrims over the last few years?
- Where are the statistics to support this rhetoric?
What is your response?
Ralph Keith
