Strange occurrence on the Camino Ingles

[daesdaemar]

The following occurred on Sunday July 3 as I walked the Betanzos to Bruma leg. I have been reluctant to post this experience because, frankly, it seemed so weird and disconcerting. Now, a few months later, I am interested in the opinion of others.
Just a short way past the Bar Julia is the somewhat modern appearing Igrexa de Santo Tome. As I approached, there were barricades closing off automobile traffic as there appeared to be a church festival going on. This was on the road passing directly in front of the church. I walked along this road among dozens of people and their booths selling various trinkets, religious items, and foods and snacks. The church and its hall were open with many persons walking through and around.
I must clearly have appeared as a pilgrim as I had my backpack, hiking boots, and even a large scallop shell hanging around my neck. As I passed among the people I would smile, nod my head, and say "Hola!" Everyone looked straight through me as if I did not exist. Not a single person smiled or acknowledged me in anyway whatsoever. I even walked up to some of the booths looking for a snack and the vendors didn't even look my way. I felt like a ghost. I felt very much out of place and recall a feeling of great uneasiness. I considered walking up to the church to seek a sello, but felt so uncomfortable that I could not bring myself to do so.
It was very strange and bothered me for hours afterwards.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

Rural Galicians at Play. Their joyful, open character is one of the reasons we decided to skip settling in beautiful rural Galicia and go to barren, flat rural Palencia instead.

At least people here will look us in the face and say "hello."

 

[sulu]

July 3rd is the Feast of San Tome so there would have been some celebration.

At least people here will look us in the face and say "hello."

I have lived here in rural Galicia for 2 years and have found the people to be really welcoming and friendly, absolutely everyone says hello. The only exception to this was the village Fiesta (Santiago) when I thought I would be good and go to mass but got the time wrong, I arrived at the little chapel just as everyone was leaving. On that occasion people looked at me as if I had just crawled out of the woodwork, but it was not the people who live here, it was the people who come for July, who normally live in Madrid or some other big city.

I must clearly have appeared as a pilgrim as I had my backpack, hiking boots, and even a large scallop shell hanging around my neck

I reckon, Daesdaemar, most of those people were from the city and had no idea that a Camino de Santiago goes passed that church. It doesn't only happen in Galicia though, I walked through Cacabelos on Easter Sunday and was walking passed the church just as everyone left, they were all crowding around outside waiting for the procession and again they just stared at me. It seems fiestas are not for sharing.

 

[MichaelB10398]

The best advice I have ever received is to follow that still, small voice we hear so often. When the Holy Spirit guides, it is time to follow. No need to question it, just follow. We may never know the why of it, but you did the right thing and just moved on. Hopefully that will never be your experience on the Way again. I am just grateful that you followed the guidance you received.

 

[daesdaemar]

Thanks to everyone! I value your input!