EL CAMINO
By Valerie Garofalo
More than 250,00 people leave their homes each year to become pilgrims by participating in the lengthy 800km (497 miles) walk known as El Camino de Santiago. The entire journey takes about 5 weeks to complete but it is a personal choice for those who want to start at any point along the way. Participants who want to receive a certificate at the end of the journey must walk at least 100km and carry a “Pilgrim Passport.”
The Camino has multiple paths starting in Spain, Portugal and France that all lead to Santiago de Compostela. Traditionally, El Camino began at the doorstep of people’s homes but today there isn’t an exact starting point and people even bike the path instead.
Those who have participated in the walk describe it as a challenging yet rewarding trek. Students from SUNY Geneseo said the walk was as more challenging mentally than it was physical.
A man from San Diego California says he has walked El Camino three times... 2,001 miles in 3 years. He says there are many reasons to go on the journey.
The students shared their tips such as packing light and having a positive attitude make a difference.
From Burgos to Santiago de Compostela, a Utah woman walked the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage that began in the Middle Ages. Margie Robbins trekked through the urban streets and humble country sides of the northern coast of Spain. Along the way she stayed in hostiles, ate pilgrim food, and met people from all over the world. After walking through fog, rain, and sometimes cold temperatures, Robbins finished the Camino at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela where she received her official certificate of completion.
FACES FROM EL CAMINO
*By Jillian Argento and Jacob Osborn
Santiago de Compostela is marks the end of a historical pilgrimage traveled by many: El Camino. People travel from all over the world to take this journey, which takes the average person about one month to complete. Featured below are pilgrims at the end of the Camino, preparing to return to reality.
Fili Bradwell
Germany
Distance walked: 120 km
with her son. Her son brought along a stuffed dog in honor of their dog who did the this was Fili’s second time walking the Camino. The first time she walked with her dog, the second time she walked camino before.
“He’s very curious, and very, very philosophic in his points of view,” Fili said about her son.
Fili Bradwell sits outside the Pilgrim's International Welcome Center in Santiago de Compostela with her son. (Jillian Argento)
Thomas Fischer
Germany
Distance walked: 674 km
Thomas, who claimed he was not religious, walked the Camino to discover himself. He said he was feeling so emotional after finishing the Camino that he couldn’t describe his feelings.
Thomas Fischer holds back emotions in the Santiago de Compostela square moments after completing the Camino. (Jillian Argento)]
Chiara Bianchi
Italy
Distance walked: 500 km
Chiara set out on the Camino hoping to spend some time alone. However, out on the trail, she found herself surrounded by fellow travelers, who she learned a lot from. Despite being surrounded by friends, her personal strength was still heavily tested.
Chiara Bianchi displays her collected stamps from along the Camino. (Jillian Argento)
Victor and Jorge
Germany, Brazil
Distance walked: 799 km
Victor and Jorge met on the second day of their pilgrimage. The two were then separated and met again. They continued together throughout the journey, spending some days apart. Victor decided to walk the Camino when he got out of a serious relationship and fell into a depression. He needed time to contemplate his life. Jorge decided to walk the camino so he could learn more about himself and his Catholic faith.
Victor and Jorge stand outside the Pilgrim's International Welcome Center in Santiago De Compostela. (Jillian Argento)
