The Camino de Santiago closes, but the illusion of the pilgrims remains alive

We are going through a few complicated days, in which each one has to do his bit and make a small effort: stay at home. Maintaining our safety and that of others, to be able to stop this new epidemic together, and thus soon enjoy again the freedom and great moments that the Camino de Santiago offers.

The effects of the coronavirus have affected all aspects of our daily life. With special emphasis on tourism, one of the main economic engines of our country, as has happened on the Camino de Santiago. Since Saturday, March 14, all the entities asked the walkers to stop and return to their homes. Within a week the restrictions had been increased, catching large numbers of pilgrims by surprise.

Now how did it all happen? After starting a quiet week, on Thursday March 13, the president of the Xunta Alberto Núñez Feijóo, clarified that, with the exception of in the shelters, the risk of contagion was de ’low intensity’ ’. So the measure he had taken was simply to limit the capacity of public hostels. However, the following day, the state of national alarm was decreed, which brought with it the total closure of the road at the last hour of the day.

A stop along the way ?‍♀️?‍♂️

The FEACS association (Spanish Federation of Associations of Friends of the Camino de Santiago) has proceeded to activate the information campaign: '’Pilgrim, this is not the time''. The objective is to provide information points in different places in Spain and France. Thus, assistance can be given to all those pilgrims who are in alarm. They have set up a shelter-refuge service that they can attend from their departure to their places of origin. In addition, walkers continue to have government-guaranteed means of public transport.

One of the priorities at the moment in which the population is, is to inform those who have not heard and facilitate the return of all those who have been surprised by this measure. To all those who have left the way halfway, nothing happens pilgrims, you can retake it later where you left it, just enough to have the credential sealed.

And like many other things ..., we will not be able to make the journey in one season. So we have proposed to the entire Vive Camino community that they tell us how they pass the quarantine.

This is what they have told us!

Vive Camino community?

Comunidad de Vive Camino

? João Pedro Neto - Approach to the next Path! We will all meet there! ❤

Ultreia

? German Boned - I have started to share my Northern Way last year

? Luisa Sánchez Peiró - Well, we got it pretty bad, we had planned to fly to Vigo from Valencia on April 10 to start the Portuguese journey from Tui. 6 months of preparation, purchase of equipment, reservation of accommodation, training and all the illusion of making the journey for many years. At last we were able to get favorable dates to do it, with the consequent joy, illusion and euphoria that at last, our dream was going to come true, and suddenly ... everything to hell. Very disappointed, no matter how much they tell you: you will do it when you can. When will we be able to? A pity, so much illusion suddenly stopped. It is not anyone's fault, we have slowed down everything in our lives and we will get going when we can. We hope that next year we can take out all our luggage and we can make our desired way.

Comunidad de Vive Camino 2

? @giorgialanza.gl - We are all outdoor enthusiasts: hiking, running, cycling, mountain. We all make a responsible decision: stay home. A necessary sacrifice not to worsen the ongoing health emergency. In the meantime, you can virtually travel, looking at these guys' Instagram profiles and YouTube channels. It's worth it, trust me! We all make this little effort to start faster, to appreciate more the nature and the freedom that only it is capable of giving us. But now everyone at home!

IOSTOACASA - giorgialanza.gl/Instagram