Doing the Camino de Santiago in 2021
There are many pilgrims who are clear that in 2021 they will do the Camino de Santiago to live the Holy Year. The last celebration took place in 2010, when almost 300,000 people made pilgrimage to the tomb of Santiago the Apostle, twice as many as in 2009.
Today, and given the high popularity achieved by the Camino de Santiago during the last years, worldwide, the number of pilgrims that arrive in Compostela each year is around that figure. It is to be hoped, therefore, that during Xacobeo 2021, almost 600,000 people will travel the routes on the Camino de Santiago.
Below, we’ll tell you about the most important events that will happen on the Camino de Santiago in 2021 and what the Holy Year consists of, the greatest celebration of pilgrim culture and tradition.
What is celebrated on the Camino de Santiago in 2021
In Santiago de Compostela, every year on 25th July, the transfer of the remains of Santiago the Apostle to Galicia is celebrated. That day is known as the Day of Santiago the Apostle, a holiday that takes place in many localities of Spain, as explained in the post that we dedicate to the history of Santiago the Apostle.
Those years when Santiago the Apostle Day falls on a Sunday, they are considered holy years. In those years the Jacobeo or Xacobeo is celebrated, also called the Jubilee Year, Compostelano or The Compostela Holy Year, therefore next year corresponds to the 2021 jubilee.
And you, have you decided to do a pilgrimage next Holy Year? If so, we recommend you to do the Camino de Santiago from Sarria to get to Compostela. If you need help with the organization, leave your details and we will contact you.
Why pilgrimage will be made to Santiago in 2021
The reasons for doing the Camino de Santiago in 2021 are diverse. Some visit the Camino de Santiago attracted by the important display of cultural and religious activities that will take place throughout 2021 in Santiago de Compostela and in many of the towns that border the pilgrim routes.
Many others choose the year 2021 to do the Camino de Santiago because, during the holy years, it is possible to obtain plenary indulgence in the Cathedral of Santiago, thus receiving forgiveness of all sins.
To obtain this divine forgiveness it is necessary to visit the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in holy year and perform various religious rituals (confess, pray, receive the sacraments and participate in one of the liturgies that are celebrated in the temple).
Another reason that leads many pilgrims to do the Camino de Santiago in 2021 is to be able to see The Holy Door of the Cathedral open. Throughout the Jubilee, all the people who do the Camino de Santiago will be able to access the interior of the Cathedral through the Holy Door, which will remain open 365 days a year during 2021.
The Jubilee on the Camino de Santiago
As we mentioned at the beginning of this article in 2021, when the Jubilee is to be celebrated, you will find many more pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. Therefore, doing the Camino de Santiago during the Jubilee year of 2021 has its advantages, but also, its disadvantages.
Advantages of doing the Camino de Santiago in 2021
In addition to having the opportunity to obtain plenary indulgence and enjoy being able to see the Holy Door open, doing the Camino de Santiago during 2021 has other advantages. Here are some of them:
- You’ll find a much richer cultural and religious offering.
- You’ll be more likely to make new friends.
- Find travel companions even on the lesser-travelled routes.
- There is a greater influx of pilgrims throughout the year, therefore, if you are going to do the Camino de Santiago alone, even in low season, you will find other pilgrims with whom to share your steps.
- You will have more opportunities to see the Botafumeiro in action.
Disadvantages of doing the Camino de Santiago during the Xacobeo
The only drawback of doing the Camino de Santiago during the Jubilee is the high influx of pilgrims. While it is true that during the Holy Year the services offered to pilgrims are improved, it is never enough. This implies that:
- You’ll find long queues at the main visiting points
- Accommodation, both public and private, will be filled quickly.
- You’ll find queues in restaurants.
- The queue to embrace Santiago in the Cathedral will be much longer than usual.
- There will be more of a buzz on the routes and you will find it harder to find moments to be by yourself.
To address these issues, we give you some tips that may be useful when planning the Camino de Santiago in 2021. Take note!
Avoid the most popular routes or stretches
If you don’t want to be surrounded by pilgrims all day, avoid the most popular routes, such as the Camino Frances. Especially the stretch between Sarria and Compostela, because it will be one of the busiest.
A good alternative to avoid these final stages, in which most of the routes that run through Spain converge, is to do the Camino de Santiago from Portugal in 2021 or any of the stages on the Camino Ingles, if you have a few days. The Camino de Invierno also allows you to avoid those final stages, if you want to enjoy the wine culture of the Castile plateau.
Avoid summer, especially July
The summer months, from July to August, will be the most popular on the Camino de Santiago in 2021. Especially July, as this is the month that the Day of Santiago the Apostle is celebrated.
Spring or early autumn is an excellent season for pilgrimage. Check out the article that we dedicate to the climate on the Camino de Santiago so you can learn more about the temperatures you will find at other times of the year.
Take the decision as soon as possible and make your reservations
Doing the Camino de Santiago with plans to stay in the network of public hostels, in 2021, is to participate in a race against time. Our advice is to use accommodation where you can book in advance.
If you still want to take a chance, we recommend that you avoid classic stage endings. This way you’ll have a better chance of finding a bed, without having to run.
If you want, you can contact us or write to us on our Facebook and we will help you organize the reservations. You can also include meals on the Camino de Santiago and thus avoid the long queues in the restaurants. Check out the article we dedicate to organized trips to the Camino de Santiago, if you want to know more about how this type of services work.
Keep your belongings under control
The Camino de Santiago is a safe route, but thefts in hostels or in places where pilgrims leave their luggage unsupervised are becoming more frequent. In the Xacobeo year, with a greater influx of pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, there is likely to be a greater number of thefts registered, so do not neglect your valuables.
We hope that everything we have told you in this article has been of use to you if you are planning to do the Camino de Santiago during the Jubilee 2021. Remember that a good option is not to postpone it anymore and come to do the Camino de Santiago in 2020.
If you are not yet sure to embark on the adventure, in addition to everything we have told you in this post, we recommend that you read the article that we dedicate to 10 reasons why you should do the Camino de Santiago.
Buen Camino!
