Why Camino De Santiago
Camino de Santiago is a network of paths from all over the world running into the most famous route known as “The French Way”. An 800km Pilgrimage starting in St Jean Pied de Port, France, at the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains. A pilgrimage crossing inland Spain to Santiago de Compostela. For some further to Fisterra, (Finisterre) known as the “End of the World”.
There are tales of mythical creatures, witches, and wizards, along with legends of Kings and Queens, castles, and kingdoms with historical battles and revolutions. Therefore, a testament to this historically, culturally, and spiritually rich land.
A path laid out with yellow arrows to guide the way.
Today’s Legend of Camino de Santiago is that of the Catholic church. It is believed that all paths are leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela to the shrine of the apostle Saint James.
Fortunately for us, a devotee of the Camino Don Elías Valiña Sampedro a parish priest in O Cebreiro came up with the idea of the yellow arrows.
Historical writings since the beginning of written language combined with remains along the Camino tell other stories of a Pilgrimage with its origins lost in time. Celtic people walked it 1000 years BC in search of the land’s end, the resting place of the Sun. Pagans walked the path in a born-again ritual on the Megalithic path following the Milky Way.
One thing is certain, the “French Way” has an energy that is a constant companion on your walk. Difficult to put into words, yet all recorded literature makes mention of the unknown spiritual energy…
We like to call it “The Camino Magic!”
Today Camino de Santiago is a unique path where people, as pilgrims, from all over the world meet as equals. Worldly boundaries of religion, culture, age and social status are dropped. The simplicity of a daily walk with a backpack is your common ground. From the first step onward you become part of a community, unspoken respect for your fellow pilgrim allows space and privacy. With the same daily goal; make it to your destination.
So why Camino de Santiago
Walking Camino is an opportunity to release yourself from the everyday grind, and to have some space. Live and breathe rich, diverse landscapes; crossing the Pyrenees Mountains, walking through cities of great historical significance, meandering through ancient villages, meeting locals, and getting to know their ways. Enjoying the gastronomy of the land and quenching your thirst with fabulous local wines.
Whatever the reason you feel called to Camino de Santiago, be it religious, spiritual, emotional, or likewise a physical challenge, there are no rules. Therefore, your will and your intention, what YOU want from your Camino experience are all that counts.
Buen Camino!
Walking Camino de Santiago is like having a meeting with yourself – Quim Monserrat
