This is a town I hope to return to once the world opens up again. I’d be happy strolling around the wonderful narrow streets or watching the world go by with a nice cold (locally brewed!) Estrella and some Pulpo Gallego: a Galician style octopus tapas.
I was constantly reminded of this region’s Celtic roots and cultural influences from the sounds of bagpipes and thundering drums in the air in the city, to a chance impromptu singalong with John Sheehan from the Irish Folklore band The Dubliners!
Whilst in the city I felt excitement - a buzz that comes from knowing you are at the finish line for all the pilgrims who’ve come so far mentally, physically and spiritually. To watch the pilgrims rounding the final corner into Praza do Obradoiro and seeing the spectacular cathedral is a delight. In the evenings, musicians from the university gather in the square and play local and popular music for the tourists. There is such a great atmosphere!
2021 is going to be a very special year on the Camino de Santiago as it marks the next Ano Xacabeo. The Holy Year is when the Feast of St James, 25th July, falls on a Sunday. With the inclusion of leap years this is a rare occurrence and the last Ano Xacabeo fell in 2010. Next year there is an expectation that there will be record numbers of pilgrims on the Camino and it will be the most significant Camino year in living memory.
The Porto Santa has been closed since the last Ano Xacabeo in 2010. The Holy Door will be officially opened on New Year’s Eve of this year and will remain open for all of 2021 and this is how you will enter the cathedral.
For those pilgrims on a religious journey, a full plenary indulgence can be obtained ‘forgiving all sins’. To qualify, pilgrims visit the cathedral, pray and attend Mass. They should have gone to confession within 15 days before the trip or after visiting the cathedral.
The Ano Xacabeo will be a very special experience, and for everybody walking the Camino de Santiago in 2021, whether religious or not, you can expect a very memorable trip filled with joy, hope and spirituality. It will mean the months leading up to the Feast of St. James will be busy, so it is advisable to book early.
The feeling of celebration, friendship and the spirit of community are truly alive in Galicia.
Contact a member of our team to find out how to book your Camino de Santiago walking holiday for 2021 and for further details on this extraordinary event.
