The el Camino de Santiago consists of multiple Christian pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, where St. James the Greater, charged with spreading Christianity to the end of the world, is believed to be buried. The network of routes has been recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1993 and is an impressive historical example of the importance of the infrastructure created to support pilgrimages. Along the way, you will find hostels, hospitals, and churches developed to support the early pilgrims.
I have wanted to walk the el Camino de Santiago for some time now and finally decided to do it. I am not an expert on the Camino as I have just completed a part of the French route, but here is what I learned from my first experience.
I see my path, but I don’t know where it leads. Not knowing where I’m going is what inspires me to travel it. – Rosalia de Castro (Galician poet & novelist)
1. There is an overwhelmingly positive vibe on the Camino.
No matter what your reason is for walking the el Camino de Santiago – recovering from a loss, confronting a health problem, embarking on a spiritual journey, disconnecting from everyday life, desiring a change of scenery, or challenging oneself physically by walking from one country to another, there is a positive energy in the air that is contagious. The people you meet go out of their way to be friendly and supportive, offering anecdotes or words of wisdom to ponder throughout your journey. No matter the circumstances, no one complains about sore feet, the unexpected and frequent rain showers, or the several kilometers to the next bar and bathroom.
2. No one cares about what you do on the Camino.
Your job title means nothing on the el Camino de Santiago. Your backpack doesn’t have a written label like retiree, CEO, manager, caregiver, student, teacher, etc.; these mean nothing on the Camino. You’ll find that most pilgrims are curious and will greet one another with ¡Buen Camino! They want to know who you are and where you are from. Pilgrims also want to know where you started your Camino and why you’re walking. Sure, conversations might get into what you do for a living, but this does not define you on the Camino. On the Camino, there’s a level of openness and acceptance unmatched elsewhere.
3. There is an unwritten rule to respect all walkers.
No one bad-mouths another pilgrim. On the el Camino de Santiago, you can walk alone in silence or quietly chat with new acquaintances. Furthermore, no one is judging your gear or the brand of your hiking boots. Lastly, you are not too different, old, or young to be on the Camino. Everyone is equal.
4. Sharing and collaborating is typical behavior on the Camino.
Walking alongside a stranger for long stretches of the Camino is quite common. When invited, pilgrims are eager to share their experiences. Therefore, it’s common to see strangers share lunch, take photos together, offer a blister kit to someone needing foot care, or help repair a bike tire for those doing the Camino by bicycle.
5. Everyone is working toward the same goal.
No matter your route or how long it takes you, everyone shares the same goal on the Camino – getting to Santiago de Compostela. For this reason, those walking the Camino are willing to help and encourage strangers in their journey. You feel part of something bigger than just you. The first stop for many pilgrims once they reach Santiago de Compostela is Obradoiro Square. Here you will see masses of pilgrims filter into the square to celebrate their arrival – strangers hugging strangers, groups of people singing and dancing, or individuals just sitting in the square taking it all in. There are no barriers or fear of engaging with other pilgrims. Everyone is celebrating their achievement and that of all the others who have made it to the square that day.
For me, the el Camino de Santiago in Spain was a journey of self-reflection and renewal. It also taught me the importance of tolerance, acceptance, and non-judgmental behavior. Most importantly, the Camino leaves you with the challenge to apply what you learned on your journey to your everyday life.
