Avoid SdC on 25 July?

[Betsybow]

Hello friends!

I’m planning my first Camino for next summer, and I have been so grateful for the wisdom and the spirit of this forum. Thank you!

My plan is to walk the Camino Primitivo in July, and the way the calendar works. My arrival in Santiago comes dangerously close to July 25. Am I right to assume that the feast of Santiago is an expensive / crazy time to try to arrive there? Also wondering if the days immediately before and after the 25th are also really crowded?

I am grateful for any wisdom that you all can offer! Maybe you’ll tell me that arriving in Santiago on July 25 is magical and I should go for it!

Peace,
Betsy

 

[Flog]

Well, it's not San Fermin..
Crazy busy is a relative term, but there will be a few pilgrims and tourists about..

 

[trecile]

I haven't experienced Santiago on St James Day, or the surrounding days, but if you are considering it make a refundable booking NOW. I am seeing reasonable prices for that date on booking.com right now.

 

[dougfitz]

I must admit to avoiding arriving then, but equally, if you are well organised, I do think it would be, as you suggest, magical. Having accommodation would be my concern, and I would expect that might be more expensive around then than at other times. The payoff should be that the city is busy and vibrant, and with the right frame of mind, you will have a wonderful time.

 

[trecile]

I haven't experienced Santiago on St James Day, or the surrounding days, but if you are considering it make a refundable booking NOW. I am seeing reasonable prices for that date on booking.com right now.

Also, keep looking between now and then as some places may not be bookable yet.

 

[wisepilgrim]

I would not recommend arriving without a reservation any time of the year.

I would highly recommend the 25th, or even better the 24th when the fireworks start.

 

[Wendy Werneth]

I was in Santiago on 25 July this year, and it was pretty magical. Although, as @wisepilgrim said, the big culmination of the celebrations is actually on the night of the 24th, and things start well before that. The programme of events lasted for at least two weeks as I recall. If you can get accommodation, then I would definitely go for it.