Hello to all dear pilgrims! Now that 2020 is over and with it, the atypical last Camino de Santiago season, we can sit down to take stock. In this post we want to share with you the experiences we have had in this last season so atypical marked by the coronavirus. Likewise, we also want to inform you about the current situation and what is expected during this new Xacobeo 2021.
What has been the 2020 experience?
We do not want to begin our assessment of 2020 without first thanking all the healthcare and other professionals who have been, and are, on the front line of the battle against the coronavirus throughout this time.
The truth is that although 2020 has been a difficult year for everyone, today we want to highlight the strength of society and the ability to adapt to new circumstances. As far as the Camino de Santiago is concerned, last year was a very different year for everyone. However, we have learned many things and everyone who is part of the great Camino family has done their part to provide safety and warmth to all pilgrims. In addition, the measures implemented by tourist accommodations and protocols have proven to be effective.
What is the current coronavirus situation?
The current situation, after the Christmas holidays, has resulted in a considerable increase in cases. Therefore, from the team of Viajes Camino de Santiago we ask for patience and responsibility in the coming weeks. We are sure that this horrible situation will soon be over and we will be able to embrace each other again stronger than ever.
In the pandemic situation, there has been a milestone between 2020 and 2021 that will ultimately lead to victory against the coronavirus in the coming months. We talked about the launch of the first vaccinations.
Despite the relief we have all felt with the start of the vaccinations, we must be aware that this is not over yet. For these reasons, in the coming weeks will be frequent perimeter closures of the Galician municipalities most affected by the coronavirus, such as Santiago de Compostela, or starting points of road as Tui. The tightening of restrictions is likely to continue, depending on developments, until the beginning of March. For these reasons, if you are thinking of doing the route, to avoid surprises we advise you to plan from the beginning of spring.
Accommodation and the return to the road
Most of the accommodations along the way are currently closed. Except for some hotels and hostels located in cities. Depending on the epidemiological situation, it is expected a reopening of the accommodation on the route that will inaugurate the season of Xacobeo 2021, from early spring. So, if the evolution is favourable, the Holy Door will probably begin to receive the first pilgrims of the year from March onwards.
What can we expect from this Xacobeo 2021?
We can almost say with certainty that we will not abandon the masks on the Camino de Santiago during 2021. We will all need to continue to comply with the health measures imposed so as not to spread the coronavirus, as the entire population is not expected to be vaccinated by spring and summer. One thing you should keep in mind is that even if you have been vaccinated, you should continue to comply with the protective measures until a significant proportion of the population has been vaccinated.
The 2022 extension
Everyone is experiencing this situation in a different way. There are people who are fed up, bored, tired of the situation… others are also fed up and are still very afraid of getting sick, some have withdrawn more into themselves than usual, others may even have sequelae that need the help of therapists to return to their own normality. For these reasons we know that it is likely that many people will not dare to go on pilgrimage in 2021.
If you’re not feeling strong this year, don’t worry, the Pope has approved the extension of the Holy Year up to and including 2022. So you know, going on pilgrimage in 2022 will still have the same value in the eyes of the church.
For the rest, we hope that the evolution of the pandemic will be favourable in the coming months and that we will gradually be able to return to normality. We don’t know how this Xacobeo 2021 is going to be, but we sincerely hope that it will be the best year possible for everyone. Ultreia!
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