5 Minutes Camino de Santiago Podcast: Recent Episodes
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Everything you need to know about the Camino de Santiago in 5 Minutes: Short and Sweet! Our ” 5 Minutes Camino de Santiago Podcast ” covers everything you need to know about the Camino de Santiago: Planning your Camino, choosing your Camino route, training for the Camino, and everything in-between. We believe travelling on the Camino de Santiago is about enriching personal experiences, the people you share the journey with or you meet along the way but mostly, about opening up to a new way to see the world around us or even a new way to see ourselves.
Cycling the Camino is a wonderful alternative to walking. There are many advantages to cycling the Camino, including covering more ground in less time and it’s definitely easier if you are bringing children on the Camino. If you are thinking
10 Most Delicious Galician Dishes to try along the Camino If you’re planning your Camino de Santiago trip, it’s very likely that you’ll be visiting Galicia soon. One of the best parts about travelling is trying all the local dishes,
5 Special Places To Experience The Camino at Easter Easter or Holy Week as it’s also known is widely celebrated across Spain, with many cities and towns along the Camino de Santiago hosting impressive processions. There’s a huge variety of
Experience Holy Week in Italy – Unmissable Easter Events in Rome Are you planning to finish your Via Francigena walk in Rome over Easter? Holy Week is one of the most important weeks in the Catholic calendar, so this is a
Walk From Ireland to Santiago Along The Celtic Camino In olden times, Camino pilgrims would begin their journey as soon as they left their homes, which is why there are various different Camino routes crossing most of Europe. One of
Love Is In The Air: The Most Romantic Camino Spots While romance may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about the Camino de Santiago, it might surprise you to learn that there are
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we are in a truly loved-up mood here at CaminoWays. We hear from people who walked the Camino with a loved one every year and we would love to hear your Camino love
Camino Love Story – Engaged On The Camino Portugues My hands are covering my face as I stand outside Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in shock as tears drop into my palms. “I’m still down here, what do you say?”. These
A Short Trip To Galicia’s Picture Perfect Cies Islands When planning our trip to Galicia, my friends and I were unsure whether to bring our rain gear or our sun cream! As the forecast promised sunny and warm days, we thought
What is the Botafumeiro and when can I see it? The ‘Botafumeiro’ is the famous giant thurible or censer in the Santiago de Compostela cathedral. A ‘Botafumeiro’ has been used since the Middle Ages, originally to clean the air when
Halloween is right around the corner so it’s no surprise that we’re getting into the spooky spirit. Whether you’re a fan of ghosts and ghouls or just a little bit superstitious, you can add some ghostly fun to your walk
With Halloween just around the corner, we must remind you to beware of the Santa Compaña (‘Holy Company’) while on your travels along the Camino de Santiago in Galicia, especially at this time of the year.
The Santa Compaña is a procession of dead souls feared by most Galicians. This very unique procession of restless souls wanders about after midnight, favouring crossroads in the country lanes and being particularly active on special nights such as Halloween – but also Mid-Summer.
You will recognise them easily: a living person leads the souls, carrying a cross and a cauldron, while the dead souls carry lit wax candles behind the leader.
The living person leading the group shouldn’t turn around to face the souls and he will only be freed from this frightening duty if he finds someone else to replace him as leader of the Compaña.
If you meet them at a crossroads and don’t want to be taken by them, you should draw a circle on the ground and step inside it. If you happen to be by a ‘cruceiro’ (stone cross), you will be off the dead souls’ hook if you quickly move up to the steps.
The one thing you should never do if you encounter the Santa Compaña, under any circumstances, is accept one of the souls’ candles, otherwise, you will become part of the procession.
If you’d like to know more about the spooky Camino myths and legends, you need to read about Costa del Morte (the Coast of Death) and the Pilgrim Ghost.
We also have an article about 7 spooky Camino Facts that is sure to get you in the mood for Halloween.
Also, if you’re a bit of a supernatural expert and you know of any other spooky Camino stories and Galician rituals, we’d love to hear all about it!
Holy Year 2022: What is a Jacobean year? You might have heard that 2021’s Jacobean Year celebrations have been extended to the end of 2022. But what exactly is a Holy Year and why is it worth visiting the Camino during one?
A Jacobean Year or Ano Xacobeo is a Jubilee or Holy Year. A year is considered a Jacobean or Holy Year when Saint James Day, 25th July, falls on a Sunday.
In a normal year, the number of pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago increases significantly during Holy Years, particularly in July, as many pilgrims aim to arrive in Santiago de Compostela in time for Saint James Day celebrations.
Two facts make a Jacobean Year special for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago:
- The Holy Door in Santiago’s Cathedral, the Porta Santa, located in the Praza da Quintana only opens for Jacobean Years and remains open the whole year. The Holy Door is officially opened on 31st December, the last day of the previous year.
- A full plenary indulgence can be obtained, forgiving all the sins. To qualify, pilgrims must visit the cathedral, pray and attend Mass. They should have also gone to Confession within the 15 days before the trip or after the visit to the Cathedral.
Those pilgrims who can’t physically continue all the way to Santiago de Compostela due to illness can get plenary indulgence in Villafranca del Bierzo, where the Puerta del Perdón (the door of forgiveness) is also open only during Holy Years.
Because of leap years, Holy Years follow a pattern of 6-5-6-11 years. 2010 was the most recent Jacobean Year. After 2022, 2027 will be the next Ano Xacobeo, followed by 2032 and so on.
For more information and advice on the Camino de Santiago, or to book your trip, contact our Camino travel specialists.
Mindful Walking on an Ancient Camino Trail Embarking on the Camino has often been described as a walk for the soul. Walking along the Meseta across Northern Spain, one can’t help but tune into a slower pace of life. In recent years and in light of the Covid pandemic, using the Camino for mindful walking and as a time to reflect is becoming quite popular.
The joy of walking is the ability to bask in the task of the moment and a quiet walk in natural surroundings allows us to pause, take deep breaths and enjoy the repetitive task of putting one foot in front of the other.
Whether you walk the coastal paths of the Camino Portugues or the forest tracks of the Camino Frances, each trail offers the chance to discover the power of nature.
Mindful Walking on the Camino Portugues Coastal “Walking allows us to deeply immerse ourselves in nature, our new surroundings, and appreciate each moment. Our mind and body focus on the activity, taking step after step and enjoying every single one of them. The pleasure of meeting other pilgrims along the way makes the Camino journey even more special.”
These are the words of Galician native Maria Golpe. Maria has walked and cycled many different Camino routes and has first-hand experience of the mental health benefits the Camino provides.
Research has proven that a connection with nature provides strong social and emotional benefits. A recent study in the Journal of Religion, Spirituality, and Aging shows that nature helps to reduce levels of anxiety and enhance higher positive well-being. In fact, during the various lockdowns around the world, people constantly flocked to nature for comfort and to cope with the stress of the pandemic.
With that in mind, when you walk the Camino, make sure you take the time to be aware of the smells, sights and sounds around you. Being present in the moment when you hear birds chirping and trees rustling can be an exhilarating experience, helping to restore clarity after these trying times.
How mindful walking helped me to achieve a work-life balance I had my first taste of a walking holiday in 2015. Since then, I’ve chosen a new Camino route each year, one that gives me the time and space to simply live in the moment. My most recent trail was the Camino Portugues from Baiona to Santiago.
This stunning route takes you along the dramatic Atlantic coastline and through a variety of beautiful historic towns. Before heading off on my journey, I was a little apprehensive. Firstly, I had little experience walking over long-distance terrain. My biggest experience before this was a Sunday stroll in the Irish hills, which led me along tree-lined paths for just over two hours. Time had never allowed for much longer, yet here I was preparing to walk over 120 km in 6 days.
How would I find my way? What types of terrain would I cross? Is it dangerous? What if I can’t keep up with the others? These were just a few of the worrisome questions that crossed my mind. However, as soon as we started out on the Camino paths with the vibrant yellow arrows guiding us, these questions quickly faded into the background. The joy of walking is truly being immersed in your immediate surroundings. No clouds of judgment exist, just clouds guiding you to your next destination. These are the simple joys we often take for granted.
As previously mentioned, I had very little experience with active holidays. For me, my job was one that was both enjoyable and demanding, with pressure being part of the package. Phrases like reaching targets, achieving results, making contacts and building profiles sprinkled my days. If I’m being honest, they also haunted my evenings.
Many people working with multi-national companies will be familiar with these action points and I needed time out. I needed to just be, to live in the moment, to drag myself far away from forecasts and plans. Walking the Camino de Santiago showed me a new path.
I learned that pleasure comes from the doing and the seeing, the knowing and the not knowing and the ever-changing pace of your steps along the way. As with other mindful practices, you don’t need to prove your purpose or have a set goal. Paying attention to those daily activities that are so often taken for granted suddenly seemed so right and easy to enjoy. Something I thoroughly enjoyed was the simple act of sitting down and leisurely sipping a café con leche while snacking on some delicious churros. Peace can be so easy to find.
Lisa’s Mindful Walking Tips After learning to relax and be in the moment, I wanted to share my top tips for mindful walking on the Camino in the hopes that it will inspire you to take the break you need and embark on your own long-distance walking adventure.
Breathing on the trails Stop and allow yourself to take the time you need to breathe in slowly, feeling your lungs expand as you take in the sights around you. When walking it is easy to ignore your breathing and concentrate on your footwork, but switching your concentration will help you to focus more on the activity.
Paying attention to your body Another tip is to feel the weight of your legs as you walk along the stunning trails. On the Camino routes, you will walk over several types of terrain including cobbled streets, forest paths, along sidewalks and coastal tracks. This is the perfect opportunity to feel the true texture of the landscape underneath you.
Being aware of negative thoughts We all hear those negative whispers that creep into our daily routines. As you practice mindfulness on your Camino, you will start to become familiar with the patterns that can accelerate those thoughts. Once you recognise these patterns, you have the chance to take this negativity and dissipate the reoccurring thoughts that create a negative atmosphere around you.
Having a daily intention This tip is easy when walking any of the Camino routes as your focus is solely on getting from one town to the next. I can’t describe how wonderful it is to rise early in Northern Spain and have only one goal: to walk to your next destination. Now, I’m not saying that this is an easy task. In fact, for many, including myself sometimes, this walk tested my legs, my patience, and my stamina. However, your arrival at the next town is the ultimate reward. Treat yourself to a glass of the famous local Albariño wine and some tapas.
Connecting with nature There is no better place to feel in tune with nature than when you are out for a walk. The Camino de Santiago is a spiritual journey, but also one where you have time to appreciate your natural surroundings. Walking through lush green forests and along the Atlantic coastline, you will find yourself falling in love with the ground beneath you.
Showing appreciation and humility Being mindful involves taking time to appreciate your surroundings and expressing thanks for the simple pleasures in life. “Buen Camino” is a common greeting when one is walking the Camino. This catchy phrase simply means “Good luck on your way”. You will hear fellow pilgrims, restaurant owners, hoteliers, and even the public wish you well when you are walking past them. Adopt the phrase, own it and use it to greet your fellow walkers.
My name is Lisa and I am a walking addict. I’ve completed three Caminos and it really is the perfect way to live in the moment, soak up your surroundings and escape the screens that dictate our daily routines. I hope you found these tips useful and that they help you find time to reflect on your own journey.
For more information about the Camino routes featured in this article please contact one of our Travel Specialists.
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History of the Camino de Santiago The Camino de Santiago is considered a bucket list destination for many people, whether you consider yourself a spiritual person or not. But how did the Camino de Santiago come to be so popular among modern travellers and what do we know about the history of the Camino?
Thousands of people walk the Camino de Santiago every year. Coming from all walks of life, this pilgrimage is one that captivates all who make the journey. Originally, however, the Camino was responsible for one of the largest movements of people across Europe.
Pilgrims would make the long journey to the magnificent cathedral in Galicia’s Santiago de Compostela, in search of a way to reduce their time in purgatory.
The Legend of Saint James Mystery and legend are both key components of the history of the Camino de Santiago. According to the pilgrimage’s official history, the body of Saint James the Apostle is buried in Santiago’s cathedral.
James, son of Zebedee and brother of John the Evangelist, was discovered in a field in Galicia by a shepherd named Pelayo in the 9th century, during the reign of King Alfonso II.
Saint James is the namesake of the Camino de Santiago, which translates to English as the Way of Saint James. Santiago or Sant Iago means Saint James.
Saint James had died some 800 years earlier and according to legend, was transported to Galicia (to the town of Iria Flavia, today’s Padron, found on the Camino Portugues) by two disciples in a boat led by angels. Somehow his body was then buried in a field not far from there, the very place where it would be discovered a few centuries later.
Informed about this important discovery, King Alfonso II had a small chapel built in this holy place. He would later commission a larger temple in order to attract pilgrims from all over the world. This would, in effect, compete with other important religious centres of pilgrimage, such as Jerusalem and Rome.
Of course, at this point in time, religious buildings across Europe were all busy competing for the best relics in order to attract as many pilgrims as possible. The relics of Saint James would transform Santiago de Compostela into one of the world’s most important pilgrimage destinations.
Apart from the obvious religious aspect, the discovery and the development of the pilgrimage route was also vital from a political point of view. A large influx of faithful Christians travelling across Northern Iberia, settling and creating strong cultural links with the rest of Europe, would be a very powerful tool in keeping the Moors away.
Fisterra However, there is also an additional pre-history of the Camino de Santiago as we know it. The ‘way’ may have attracted pilgrims even earlier than the 8th century thanks to a route following the Milky Way to Fisterra, today’s Camino Finisterre.
Steeped in mysticism, Costa da Morte’s Fisterra was once believed to be the End of the World. Legend says that when the sun disappeared beneath the waves, the veil between this world and the next thinned, opening the gates to the Afterlife.
To counteract any potential ill will, pagan prayers and offerings would be made to appease the gods as Fisterra was also believed to be the location of Ara Solis, an altar dedicated to the sun.
History of the Ways to Santiago The construction of the city’s Romanesque cathedral began in 1078 and with it began a golden age for the pilgrimage to Santiago. Originally, the safest route to Santiago would have been along today’s Camino del Norte and Camino Primitivo, believed to be the oldest Camino route and the ones followed by King Alfonso II himself on his pilgrimage in the 9th century.
It wouldn’t be until a bit later that the Camino Frances would be developed by King Sancho the Great and King Alfonso VI across their territories of Navarra and Leon, shortly after having recovered them from Moorish influence.
Important infrastructure such as monasteries, pilgrim hospitals and bridges were built to protect pilgrims on their journey to Santiago. The Christian kings also offered certain privileges to encourage the people to settle along the routes, with many towns and cities developing into thriving communities around this time.
By the time Aymeric Picaud wrote his Codex Calixtinus in the 12th century, thousands were heading to Santiago each year, mainly along the Camino Frances.
The Codex Calixtinus would be the first Camino travelogue or guidebook for the Camino pilgrim and it shows the importance of the route in those days, despite the perils of pilgrimage in Medieval Europe.
The reason we have such a web of Camino de Santiago routes is that the original pilgrims would begin their journeys in their local parishes.
Many pilgrims would stop in different important pilgrimage centres along the way, paying a visit to other saints and getting the benefit of important relics.
As previously mentioned, going on a pilgrimage in Medieval Europe (just like some travel in the modern world) could be a perilous journey so safety in numbers was a must.
Most pilgrims would join fellow travelers along the way, with these branches converging with routes coming from other parts of Europe. For instance, many of the Camino routes in France join up before the Pyrenees, very close to St Jean Pied de Port.
For Faith or Money? The 12th and 13th centuries marked the heyday of pilgrimage to Santiago with as many as 250,000 pilgrims travelling every year. These pilgrims were moved by their faith, but there were other reasons why people made the journey to Santiago.
Some pilgrims wanted to secure salvation as Pope Calixtus II had declared that all years where Saint James’ Day (July 25th) fell on a Sunday, would be known as Holy Years.
Other pilgrims wished to pay a penance, while many were also moved by money, undertaking the treacherous trip on behalf of wealthier citizens, or even to serve a sentence.
From the 14th century onward and due to various circumstances such as religious wars and the Reformation, overall interest in pilgrimage decreased across Europe.
This included the Way of Saint James and while pilgrims continued to travel to Santiago, the numbers were much lower than those of its medieval heyday.
The Modern History of the Camino de Santiago Since the beginning of the 1990s, the Camino de Santiago has seen a fantastic resurgence in popularity. This is due to promotional efforts by tourist boards, but also due to the work of Camino enthusiasts like Father Elias Valiña.
Father Valiña was the parish priest of O Cebreiro. In the 1980s, he worked tirelessly to both mark the route and to bring about a new golden age for the Camino, highlighting it as a route of cultural exchange, communication and understanding between European citizens. He would certainly be very proud of the Camino today.
To give you an idea of the new age of the Camino’s popularity, 1,245 pilgrims arrived in Santiago in 1985 and over 100,000 in 1993, the year the route was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
By Holy Year 2010 those numbers had reached 270,000, with over 327,000 pilgrims getting their Compostela in 2018 alone.
We hope that you have enjoyed our dive into the History of the Camino de Santiago. For more information about us, our routes or the history of the Camino de Santiago, contact us on the form below: