Where to stay for Easter

[KyleJ]

Hello,

I'm finalizing my itinerary for the Camino, which will conclude the day after Easter, but I can't figure out whether it would be better to spend Easter in Finisterre or Santiago. What would be the pros and cons of either? Where would you recommend staying, and how far in advance should I book a room? (By then, I'll have been in town too long to stay in an albergue...)

Buen Camino,
Kyle

 

[markss]

Kyle,

As one who prefers a lot of hoopla, particularly with regard to religous events, I spent Easter 2010 and several days at the end of my Camino in Santiago during the predeeding Easter date. It was a chaotic mess to be honest. A fistfight literally broke out in the Cathedral during an Easter Mass. The entire place seemed unorganized and in disarray. They ran out of communion wafers and had to take a 15 minute delay of Mass while asking the crowd to control themselves. And the crowd was out of control. It was a mess. Pathetic. Sadly rather than a one-off, it seemed to be as much a matter of poor crowd control and organization on behalf of Cathedral administration, not just at that Mass but also at surrounding events throughout Santiago. Quite frankly it appeared that either they were inept or just didn't care. Everything leading up to that day was disappointing. I was so looking forward to Easter week and Easter Sunday in Santiago as being the perfect finale to the Camino. Perhaps expectations were too high.

My vote is for you to enjoy the pre-Easter events in Santiago for a day or so then high tail it on to Finisterre. Admittedly my own negative experience might not be the best indicator on which for you to base your decision. I do hope people will comment here with contradictory accounts of more positive experiences.

 

[jerry felty]

Hola Kyle....I just came across your question concerning Easter in Santiago. I booked some rooms there a few months ago as I had been advised by another pilgrim who had spent Easter there a few years ago. Her experience was good, so I'm definitely hoping for a more edifying spiritual stay than the one described in the response to your posting. That actually sounds scarey to this mid-westerner. When I planned this trip I did so expecting probably the large crowds, but not the free for alls. There is a roadhouse a mile away from where I live that I could go to for the same experience, with much less expense. Let's hope and pray for peace....and a wafer.

Buen Camino, Jerry