Camino gains popularity in Braga
The Camino de Santiago is experiencing an impressive number of pilgrims in 2024, surpassing 447,000 by the end of October, with a 12% increase compared to the previous year. Local authorities estimate that the total could reach half a million pilgrims by the end of the year. Among the routes contributing to this growth, the Geira and Arrieiros route stands out, attracting more pilgrims and solidifying Braga as an increasingly popular starting point for this pilgrimage.
The Oficina del Peregrino at the Santiago Cathedral reported that, this year alone, over 1,067 people started their Camino in Braga, a 7.9% increase compared to the same period last year. Among the routes, the Geira and Arrieiros route saw a 36.2% growth, with the number of Compostelas issued rising by 42.5%, establishing it as an authentic choice for those seeking a more immersive experience.
The Archbishop of Santiago, Dom Francisco José Prieto, emphasized the importance of the Camino de Santiago as a universal pilgrimage route. According to him, “Santiago de Compostela is the destination of all the Caminos of Europe. It remains the ultimate path, where everyone meets, seeks, and walks together.” The archbishop also stressed the need to warmly welcome pilgrims along the entire route, in line with the tradition of Christian hospitality described in the Codex Calixtinus, the first historical guide to the Camino.
Geira and Arrieiros route, spanning 239 kilometers, begins at the Sé de Braga (Braga Cathedral) and passes through emblematic locations such as the Roman Geira and the Transboundary Biosphere Reserve of Gerês-Xurés, before entering Spain via Portela do Homem. Since its creation in 2017, the route has hosted over 5,000 pilgrims from various nationalities, including the United States, Japan, and Brazil. The route was officially recognized by the Church in 2019 and stands out for connecting directly to the Santiago Cathedral, offering a unique experience blending history, nature, and spirituality.
Overall, Spanish pilgrims represent about 45% of visitors, while others come from countries such as the United States (nearly 33,000 this year), Italy, Germany, and Portugal. This increase in pilgrims further establishes the Camino de Santiago, with a particular emphasis on Braga and its routes, as an internationally significant spiritual and tourism landmark.
