COVID-19 updates

Advice for travelling safely
Pilgrim shells on the Way of St. James

Reasons to follow the Camino de Santiago during the Xacobeo Holy Year in 2021

none

The Xacobeo Holy Year 2021 is an incredible experience that will delight you, a date that is eagerly awaited by pilgrims from all over the world. The well-known pilgrimage routes of the Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) are full of events throughout the year: concerts, art exhibitions, conferences, talks, films, educational and academic activities, tourism, volunteering, cuisine, etc. Check the Xacobeo 2021 calendar to find out about all of them!

The Xacobeo, also known as Jacobean Year, Holy Year or Jubilee Year, is only celebrated when the festival of James the Apostle or Santiago (25th July) falls on a Sunday. This happens at varying intervals, usually every 5 or 6 years, but occasionally we have to wait up to 11 years to celebrate the next Holy Year.Pope Callixtus II established the Jacobean Holy Year in 1126. The Catholic Church promised to pardon the sins of everyone who took the pilgrimage to the Apostle’s tomb during Holy Year, which is known as "earning the Jubilee".

Cathedral of Santiago

Did you know that you could also earn the Jubilee? Complete these three steps and the indulgence will be yours:- Visit the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. - Say a prayer and pray for the Pope’s intentions.- Confess and receive communion.Only during the Holy Year, the cathedral’s Holy Door will be opened so you can experience the privilege of entering the cathedral through it.

Old sign to the Way of St. James

And if you’d like to experience something extra special during the Xacobeo 2021, follow the Camino de Santiago during Holy Year via the various different routes, such as the Camino Francés (French Way), the Camino Primitivo (Primitive Way), the Camino de Invierno (Winter Way), the Camino Inglés (English Way), the Camino del Norte (Northern Way) or the Camino Portugués de la Costa (Portuguese Coastal Way), among others.

A cyclist on the Way of St. James, Castrojeriz.