Every year, thousands of pilgrims travel the Camino de Santiago with the goal of reaching the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Despite its growing popularity, this route still presents significant challenges for people with disabilities. To address these difficulties, the project “InCASA – Inclusive Camino de Santiago: An accessible journey for all” was launched. Coordinated by the University of Burgos in Spain, it involves various institutions from countries such as Portugal, Spain, Poland, Slovenia, and Romania. Atlântica – Instituto Universitário (an universitary institute)...

Among the many stories that enrich the folklore of the Camino de Santiago, this Portuguese Jacobean legend of knight Cayo, inspired by the Aurea Legend, stands out as an example of devotion, mystery, and the connection between the sacred and the earthly, despite the different variations and interpretations that have emerged over the centuries. The origin of the legend dates back to 44 AC, when the body of Santiago was transported from Palestine to Galicia. Santiago had begun the conversion of the Iberian Peninsula to Christianity, but upon returning to Judea, he was beheaded. His disciples then...

The Confraria dos Caminhos is organizing the first session of “Conversations on the Camino” on November 25, at 6:00 PM, at the Museum of Sacred Art of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia of Castelo Branco (Graça’s Convent). This event is free and open to everyone interested in the Camino de Santiago, pilgrimages, or simply the joy of walking, promising to be a moment of reflection, sharing, and inspiration. The initiative will feature two speakers: Father Nuno Folgado, who will present the theme “Apostle Santiago Maior: who was he?”, exploring key moments in the life of the saint and the significance...

The Oficina de Acogida al Peregrino in Santiago de Compostela will pay tribute to Elías Valiña, marking the 35th anniversary of his passing. The event will take place on December 11 at 11:00 AM at Rúa das Carretas, 33. This tribute celebrates the life and legacy of one of the greatest advocates of the Camino de Santiago. As part of the event, a sculpture of Elías Valiña, created by Oscar Aldonza, will be unveiled. Attendees can also enjoy a live streaming of the podcast La Flecha Amarilla (The Yellow Arrow) and a musical performance, Músicas en el Camino, featuring Moisés Quintas and Aser Álvarez....

The exhibition “Não passes pelo Caminho… deixa antes que o Caminho passe por ti” (Don’t just walk the Camino… Let the Camino walk through you), installed at the Fátima Tourism Office, has been extended until November 30 following an overwhelmingly positive reception from tourists and pilgrims of the Caminos de Santiago and Fátima. Organized in partnership by the Associação Espaço Jacobeus (AEJ), Tourism of Central Portugal, and the Ourém Municipality, the exhibition features a diverse collection: photographs of Santiago routes, Jacobean tradition objects, statues of Santiago, handcrafted items,...

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...

Starting November 1, the Informação ao Peregrino (Pilgrim Information) center will be closed, with plans to reopen on March 1. According to José Luís Sanches, President of the Board of the Via Lusitana Pilgrim Association, the temporary closure is due to the significant decline in the number of pilgrims at this time of year and the harshness of winter, making it unfeasible to keep the center operational with such low demand. The drop-in visitor numbers between September and October was already noticeable, highlighting the limited activity expected in the coming months. Located in the Igreja...

The “Caminos de Santiago – Ultreia Sudoe” meeting took place on October 15 and 16 in Pedras Salgadas, bringing together representatives from various organizations in Portugal, Spain, and France to discuss strategies for cooperation and sustainable development along the Camino de Santiago. Participants included the Fundación Camino Lebaniego, the Associação de Municípios do Caminho de Santiago, the Fundación Santa María la Real, the Agence Française des Chemins de Compostelle, the Amica Association, the Municipality of Vila Pouca de Aguiar, NOVA University of Lisbon, and other representatives. The...

The Barcelos City Council has finally begun the long-awaited improvement works on the Caminos de Santiago in the parishes of Tamel S. Fins, Aborim, and Balugães, a project envisioned for over 10 years. The works were unlocked after IP – Infraestruturas de Portugal (Portuguese Infrastructure Authority) approved the intervention on the Estrada Nacional 308 (National Road 308) and other roads in the northern part of the municipality. The project, costing 409,000 euros and with an execution period of 270 days, aims to improve circulation and safety conditions for pilgrims, especially along the Estrada...

Rachael Sanborn, an American with an adventurous spirit, found in the Camino de Santiago a way to reconnect with herself and transform her life. After going through a difficult period, she decided to follow in the footsteps of her father, who had made the pilgrimage years earlier, and embarked on this spiritual journey in Spain. This experience not only helped her overcome personal struggles but also led her to return repeatedly to the Camino. Today, at 45, Sanborn is an experienced guide who organizes meditative and grief-focused walks on the Camino de Santiago through her company, Red Monkey...

The 2nd edition of the International Photography Contest “Barcelos on the Camino de Santiago”, organized by ACB Association – City of Barcelos albergue, has led to a free exhibition on display at Espaço Cultura until November 17, with the support of the Municipality of Barcelos. The initiative showcases 28 photographs captured in the Barcelos region, aiming to promote civic engagement and highlight the Portuguese Camino de Santiago, celebrating Pilgrimage and Jacobean Hospitality. Wilson Silva won the contest with the photograph “Steps of Faith.” Mariana Lourenço took 2nd place with “Arrival...

The promotional film “Caminho Português de Santiago – Este é o Caminho” (Portuguese Camino — This is the way) is a finalist for the CIFFT “People’s Choice” Award 2024. This promotional video about the main Portuguese pilgrimage route to Compostela, produced in 2023 by Lightbox Film & Advertising, was created as part of the Communication and Promotion Project for the Portuguese Camino de Santiago, included in the PA2 – Minho Cultural Identity project (Estratégia PROVERE Minho Inovação). It involved four municipalities: Barcelos, Ponte de Lima, Paredes de Coura, and Valença. Its narrative...