January, 2004 pilgrims

[Rosina Lila]

Hello you all,
The Santiago newspapers of today report that 3,276 pilgrims availed themselves of albergue facilities during last month; this figure represents a 226% increase over the pilgrims in January, 1999, the last Xacobean year, and an increase of 450% over the January 2003 pilgrims.

Most of the pilgrims, 2,865, were on the French Way, but there were others on the Fisterra-Muxia route (172), as well as 93 in the Portuguese Way, 63 in the Northern Way, 52 in the Silver Way and 31 in the English Way.  These numbers are significant because during the last Holy year, 1999, there were no pilgrims at all in the albergues on the Northern or English Way during January, and there were only three in the Silver Way refugios.

The Galician Culture and Social Communication Council estimates that given the encrease in the number of pilgrims last month, over those during January of 1999, (1,831) it would appear that the number of pilgrims using albergues this year will be more than 600,000,(and the number of tourists will run to several million).  Because of this, the Council reports, tents, schools and sports facilities are being readied to accomodate pilgrims that may not find room at the albergues. the Council assures that not a single pilgrim will find her/himself bereft of accomodations.

Also, the Guardia Civil has commenced its patrolling the Camino routes, on horseback, not only to protect pilgrims, but also to render assistance if necessary.

For the first time the Camino will be traversed by Camels. There is a Spanish island community, Lanzarote, that has an abundance of camels.  It was decided to include camels in a pilgrimage to encourage the rather aloof inhabitants of the island to become more involved with the mainland by participating in the Camino.  Six camels are being tested to select the four that will go from Roncesvalles to Santiago.  This is the first time that camels will walk a route in the North of Spain.

And lastly, next Monday, February 9, Prince Felipe, heir to the crown of Spain will inaugurate the Roncesvalles celebrations by commencing a walk from Ibaneta to be followed by huge ceremonies at the Roncesvalles Colegiata.  The events will be televised and will commence at 11:30 a.m., Spain time.

A final note:  Luciano Pavarotti will participate in the Xacobean activities by offering public (free) concerts on June 25 and 26.  A stage will be erected for the purpose on Quintana Square.

Warm regards,

Rosina