2010

[el nadador del sol]

Heading out to do the Camino this July/August and am a bit concerned about it (Camino Frances) being overcrowded. Why would this year (2010) be any different? Perhaps I need to brush up on whats going on this time of year... but can someone give me some ideas as to why this year would be busier than others?
Thanks!
ENDS

[renegade_pilgrim]

It's a Holy Year for St. James.

[Covey]

Historically, the number of Pilgrims walking the various Camino routes DOUBLES in a Holy Year. A Holy Year is when the Feast of St James (25th July) falls on a Sunday.

[JacquelineRowe]

Im starting my walk on 13th April and am excited about it being a Holy Year (no I'm not Catholic) as I think it will add a special element to the adventure. I know they're anticipating this being the most busiest year EVER on the Camino Frances.

Given that the next Holy Year isn't for another 11 years it will be busy!!

You can look at that fact one of 2 ways:

1) Embrace it head on for what it is and an insightful journey with a large dollop of patience, understanding and commraderie.
2) Fear it and get annoyed with it and lose sight of why your doing the walk and possibly make it an unpleasant journey.

There will be many that won't show any manners but my theory is that they aren't doing the walk for any specific reason and I don't want to join that group. I have absolute faith I will always get a roof over my head and a bed to put my sleeping bag on and refuse to rush from one place to the next just to get a bed!

Smell the roses and have faith!

[jetter]

I'm starting out on the camino the end of Sept from Ponferrada as I only have two weeks. We chose the date because of the holy year. Hoping later in the year would be less crazy enroute. However, I am expecting things to still be crowded. I am assuming the refugios/hostels are all first come first serve? We are planning on taking the bus from Santiago to Ponferrada, will this be tough with the crowds? Best wishes to all who are going this year!

Oh and thanks for all the helpful info on here!!!! Jen

[el nadador del sol]

Thank you everyone for the info and advice! I am not concerned with the number of other pilgrims, I truly feel that this could make it all the more enjoyable! I am starting in July (landing in Paris June 30th - making my way to SJPdP the following day!) so... it might be a busy summer!
Again, thanks for the comments/posts!
ENDS