Pilgrim numbers update

[Rosina Lila]

Hello you all,
The Galician Conselleria de Cultura announced yesterday that 25,147 pilgrims
had registered in the French Way last May, a figure close to that of May
pilgrims during 1999, the last Holy Xacobean year (27,546).
Further, the Conselleria reported that during the first week of this month
9,000 pilgrims had registered in the French Way, a number higher that in the
last Xacobean Holy Year for the same period.
Jose Luis Raposo, Mayor of Pedrafita do Cebreiro, and president of the
Mancomunidad de Ayuntamientos del Camino Frances (Congress of municipalities in the
French Way), remarked on  the significant increase in the number of pilgrims
over previous years, particularly among pilgrims from Central European
countries  such as Germany, Austria. Belgium and France.  He attributed this
development to the betterment of the economy in these countries and the consequential
increased financial resources of pilgrims and would-be pilgrims therefrom.
The Conselleria reported that the marked increase in the number of pilgrims
commenced in April (20,436) whence the number of pilgrims began to approximate
those of 1999,  a Holy Xacobean year.
Eloy Rodroguez, Portomarin's mayor, feels that if this trend continues the
total of pilgrims during 2003 will be even higher than the total for 1999.
Because of this influx, the Conselleria reported, all albergues have filled
up early in the day and private facilities have reported near full occupancy.
In consequence,  "polideportivos" (sports arenas) have been opened to attend
to the needs of pilgrims and camping facilities (including showers, kitchens,
first-aid etc.) are available therein.
The Congress of Municipalities assures that all pilgrims will be attended.
There seem to be no significant increases in the number of pilgrims going to
Santiago through the Via de la Plata and other pilgrim routes.
Fond regards,
Rosina