The Camino de Santiago, an age-old pilgrimage that meanders through the heart of Spain, has maintained its enduring allure, attracting pilgrims from every corner of the globe.
In the year 2021, the Camino continued to beckon individuals, each driven by their own unique motives and aspirations.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Camino de Santiago statistics 2021, offering insights into the pilgrimage’s ongoing significance and enduring appeal.
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Camino de Santiago Pilgrim Statistics 2021
The year 2021 was no exception, as pilgrims continued to tread the Camino’s sacred trails, each with their unique motivations, backgrounds, and stories.
Peregrinos terminando el Camino
The Camino de Santiago has witnessed fluctuations in the number of pilgrims over the years. In 2021, the statistics presented a revealing picture of the pilgrimage’s popularity:
- 178,914 pilgrims completed a Camino route in 2021.
Comparing this to previous years, it’s clear that the Camino’s numbers saw a substantial rebound from the lows of 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic drastically impacted pilgrim numbers.
The year 2021 marked a pivotal moment in the Camino’s history.
With nearly 179,000 pilgrims completing their journeys, it was a year of resurgence and recovery.
Cómo llegan los peregrinos a Santiago de Compostela
The journey to Santiago de Compostela is a remarkable one, marked not only by the destination but also by the diverse paths pilgrims take to reach it.
Aquí exploramos los diversos métodos que emplean los peregrinos para viajar a esta ciudad sagrada y cumplir con su peregrinación del Camino de Santiago.
- Walking – 167,731 pilgrims
- Bicycling – 10,781 pilgrims
- Horseback – 199 pilgrims
- Sailing – 165 pilgrims
- Wheelchair – 37 pilgrims
These statistics illustrate the diverse means of transportation chosen by Pilgrims, with walking the remaining the most prevalent method.
El Camino a pie
Walking is undoubtedly the most traditional and iconic way to complete the Camino.
Pilgrims, known as “peregrinos,” lace up their hiking boots and embark on foot from various starting points across Europe, depending on their chosen route.
Whether they choose the popular Camino Francés or opt for one of the less-traveled paths, the act of walking is deeply ingrained in the Camino’s spirit.
In 2021, the statistics reflected this enduring tradition, with 167,731 pilgrims choosing to journey on foot.
El Camino en bicicleta
Another increasingly popular way to experience the Camino is by bicycle. Pilgrims seeking a different kind of challenge and adventure can choose to pedal their way to Santiago.
Este método permite un ritmo más rápido y cubre más terreno en un día, por lo que es la opción preferida para algunos.
In 2021, 10,781 pilgrims opted to cycle parts of the Camino.
El Camino a caballo
Los peregrinos que sean jinetes experimentados o simplemente deseen embarcarse en una aventura a caballo pueden hacerlo en rutas específicas del Camino que admiten caballos.
In 2021, 199 los peregrinos iban a caballo.
Navegando hacia el Camino
In 2021 there was 165 Pilgrims that arrived by sailing to a port and walking to Santiago.
El Camino en silla de ruedas
There are still sections of the Camino that can be traversed by wheelchair.
In 2021 37 people gained a Compostela for completing the requirements in a wheelchair.
Los meses más ajetreados del Camino
Como es de imaginar, los meses más calurosos del verano son los más concurridos en el Camino, siendo agosto, una vez más, el mes de mayor afluencia.
- August – 43,576
- September – 37,462
- July – 33,963
- October – 31,170
- June – 14,825
- November – 9,094
- May – 4,295
- December – 3,236
- April – 1,024
- March – 194
- January – 60
- February – 14
Nacionalidades de los peregrinos del Camino
One of the most enchanting aspects of the Camino de Santiago is its ability to transcend borders and draw pilgrims from across the globe.
In 2021, this international pilgrimage lived up to its reputation as a diverse melting pot of cultures and nationalities.
As pilgrims embarked on their journeys, they carried not only their physical belongings but also their unique backgrounds and experiences.
Let’s delve into the captivating tapestry of nationalities that converged on the Camino.
Peregrinos españoles
Naturally, Spanish pilgrims formed a significant part of the 2021 Camino cohort, with 122,128 individuals making their way to Santiago de Compostela.
For many Spaniards, the Camino de Santiago represents a profoundly spiritual journey within their own homeland.
It’s an opportunity to explore their country’s rich history and traditions while seeking personal growth and reflection.
Peregrinos internacionales
Beyond Spain, pilgrims from various corners of the world found their way to the Camino in 2021. Here’s a glimpse of some of the countries that were prominently represented in the Top 10:
- Portugal Pilgrims – 9,410
- Italian Pilgrims – 7,817
- German Pilgrims – 6,575
- American Pilgrims – 5,668
- French Pilgrims – 4,478
- Poland – 1,841
- Holland – 1,808
- Mexico – 1,526
- UK Pilgrims – 1,450
Otras nacionalidades diversas
The beauty of the Camino lies in its inclusivity, and in 2021, the list of participating nationalities went even further.
Pilgrims from countries as diverse as Iceland, Estonia, Iran and Peru embarked on their spiritual, cultural, and physical journeys.
While Spain and other prominent pilgrim-sending nations are consistently present, it’s the broad representation of smaller and more distant countries that adds to the Camino’s unique charm.
These statistics underscore the global allure of the Camino de Santiago, welcoming pilgrims from a multitude of countries.
The diversity in nationalities mirrors the Camino’s ability to unite people from different walks of life, fostering a rich exchange of cultures and stories along the path to Santiago de Compostela.
It’s a testament to the Camino’s universal appeal and its power to bring the world closer together through a shared experience of discovery and transformation.
Grupos de edad del Camino de Santiago
The Camino de Santiago is a pilgrimage that transcends age, gender, and background. In 2021, the demographics were as diverse as the pilgrims themselves:
- Age 18 to 45 – 84,561
- Age 46 to 65 – 67,691
- Over 65 – 14,343
- Under 18 – 12,318
These numbers show that the Camino welcomes people of all age groups, making it an inclusive and intergenerational journey.
2021 was also a year when the split between Male/Female was closer than ever with nearly the same amount although there is some uncategorised being registered.
Reasons for Pilgrims doing the Camino de Santiago
Pilgrims embark on the Camino for various reasons. In 2021, their motivations were as follows:
- Religious & Other – 77,297
- Religious – 65,064
- Not Religious – 36,552
These statistics reflect the diverse reasons people undertake the Camino, be it for spiritual reflection, a blend of religious and personal experiences, or non-religious purposes such as leisure or just a plain old adventure.
A Holy year on the Camino can be a big deciding factor on the numbers.
Las Rutas del Camino más populares
The Camino offers an array of routes, each with its unique charm and allure. In 2021, the popularity of various routes was evident:
- Camino Frances – 98,091 pilgrims
- Camino Portuguese – 34,248 pilgrims
- Camino Inglés – 10,980 pilgrims
- Camino Primitivo – 10,143 pilgrims
- Camino del Norte – 10,195 pilgrims
- Portuguese Coastal Camino – 7,942 pilgrims
- Via de la Plata – 9,623 pilgrims
The Camino Frances remained the most popular route, drawing the majority of pilgrims in 2021, followed by several other scenic routes that continue to captivate the hearts of those seeking a unique pilgrimage experience
Puntos de partida populares del Camino
The starting points for the Camino are as diverse as the pilgrims themselves. In 2021, the following Top 10 starting points saw significant pilgrim activity:
- Sarria – 55,582
- Tui – 15,170
- Ferrol – 10,574
- Porto – 8,724
- St Jean Pied du Port – 8,150
- Oviedo – 5,792
- Cebreiro – 5,000
- Valenca do Minho – 4,888
- Leon – 3,987
- Ponferrada – 3,704
These statistics highlight the different entry points to the Camino, with Sarria consistently being the most popular choice among pilgrims.
St. Jean Pied du Port attracted a substantial number of pilgrims beginning their journey on the Camino Frances, and Irun serving as the starting point for the Camino del Norte.
Conclusión
The Camino de Santiago is a timeless pilgrimage, an extraordinary journey that continues to inspire and captivate the hearts of people from all corners of the world.
In 2021, amidst the challenges of the previous COVID year, the Camino demonstrated its resilience, drawing 178,914 pilgrims from diverse backgrounds, nationalities, motivations and age groups.
While this is a positive sign of recovery, the 2021 figures are still significantly below the pre-pandemic levels.
As we look ahead, it is evident that the Camino de Santiago’s enduring spirit remains unwavering. The pilgrimage invites all, irrespective of age, gender, or background, to explore, connect and discover the extraordinary within themselves and the world around them.
The Camino is not just a path; it is a transformative experience that celebrates the human spirit’s resilience and determination.
It is a journey of the soul, offering solace, reflection and renewal to all who seek it. Most of all its an amazing experience as well.
Estadísticas alimentadas por el oficina oficial de los peregrinos en Santiago de Compostela.
Buen Camino
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