Difference between the Compostela and the welcome certificate (certificado de bienvenida)

[Jmancebo]

Which one is the Compostela, the first photo or the second one?

 

[trecile]

The first one is the Compostela.
It's my understanding that the Welcome Certificate is no longer being issued.
Perhaps forum members who volunteer in the Pilgrims Office, such as @Flog, @tarredon, or @t2andreo can let us know.

 

[Jmancebo]

So, if I say that I am doing the Camino for non-religious reasons, will I receive the first one?

 

[Bradypus]

So, if I say that I am doing the Camino for non-religious reasons, will I receive the first one?

The second one is supposed to be the non-religious alternative but many people recently have said that they received the Compostela - the first one - even after stating that they walked for reasons which were not religious or spiritual.

 

[Flog]

So, if I say that I am doing the Camino for non-religious reasons, will I receive the first one?

Yes, you will. The second one, the welcome certificate, isn't given out anymore. It's compostelas for all nowadays.

 

[Jmancebo]

Thank you so much!
I will complete my Camino from Roncesvalles this Sunday, I don't want to stop walking!

 

[t2andreo]

My guess is that they simply found it easier this way. The certificates are now printed on a laser printer. To generate two different certificates, with the Welcome Certificate being a relatively low demand item, would require an additional laser printer and additional computer coding to be able to generate two certificates in parallel.

From a business case perspective, this makes sense.

My guess, from having volunteered at the Pilgrim Office many times would be that nearly 95 percent of all pilgrims get the Compostela anyway. So, making the decision to reduce the printed certificates to the single Compostela makes logical sense.

Hope this helps.

Tom

 

[sarria2022]

The first one is the Compostela.
It's my understanding that the Welcome Certificate is no longer being issued.
Perhaps forum members who volunteer in the Pilgrims Office, such as @Flog, @tarredon, or @t2andreo can let us know.

You are right now there is only 1 Compostela

 

[Hilly]

Are they not giving out the distance certificate any more?

 

[trecile]

To generate two different certificates, with the Welcome Certificate being a relatively low demand item, would require an additional laser printer

Why would a different printer be necessary?

Are they not giving out the distance certificate any more?

Yes, you can still buy a distance certificate.

 

[lt56ny]

Which one is the Compostela, the first photo or the second one?

Since I have received my fair share of Compostellas it is obvious it is the first one.Also since I never even heard of a welcome certificate it makes the choice even easier.

 

[Flog]

My guess is that they simply found it easier this way. The certificates are now printed on a laser printer. To generate two different certificates, with the Welcome Certificate being a relatively low demand item, would require an additional laser printer and additional computer coding to be able to generate two certificates in parallel.

Whatever is behind the reason, it would seem unlikely to have anything to do with printing logistics. The Compostela and distance Certificate both come out of the same printer.. If it can be programmed to print two different layouts on two different size papers, it can be programmed to print other layouts, other things. In any case, there is still a regular need for things to be handwritten.

 

[Kathar1na]

Whatever is behind the reason, it would seem unlikely to have anything to do with printing logistics. The Compostela and distance Certificate both come out of the same printer.. If it can be programmed to print two different layouts on two different size papers, it can be programmed to print other layouts, other things

@Flog, that the Compostela and Distance Certificate both come out the same printer is not a surprise to me at least as a computer and printer user of many years . On Amazon, you can buy laser printers with two trays for paper input and even with three input trays. Even the laser printer that I had decades ago had already two slots for feeding the print media into the printer - one for standard sized paper and one for envelopes.

@Jmancebo, you don't get asked at the desk what your reasons for walking on Camino were. You apply for your Compostela online, either through your mobile phone or other electronic device or at a kiosk/terminal in the Pilgrim Office in Santiago.

On this online form, for "Reasons for pilgrimage" you can tick (in the English version) either "Not religious" or "Other" or "Religious". Yes, in this order and yes, the wording of these three choices makes it a bit of an odd list.

No matter what you tick, you will receive a Compostela.

And for those who want a Distance Certificate in addition to the Compostela: On the online form, just click the box next to "Print mileage certificate".

 

[t2andreo]

Why would a different printer be necessary?

Yes, you can still buy a distance certificate.

The blank, pre-printed Compostelas, must be loaded into the printer as one would load blank paper. The Compostelas and Distance Certificates are "overprinted." only the blank spaces are filled in with new information - name, date, etc.

I do not know if they have a printer with multiple paper trays to handle different sized certificates. My reply here presumes they are using the same laser printers that I knew they had in the office two years ago (2022). They might have added new printers.

Presently, I have been told that, at least one printer is dedicated to printing only A3 sized Compostelas. Another, separate printer has the larger, A3 paper-sized Distance Certificates. It works, especially for higher volumes.

To print a different certificate using a single or the same printer - like the Distance certificate - requires physically changing the paper in the feed tray, or at least swapping out one feed tray for another. In any event, with perhaps a dozen or more computer workstations sending print jobs to the dedicated printer, interrupting the printing of certificate A, for Certificate B, while additional print jobs are going into the print queue, would be simply not-doable.

Finally, given the volumes of certificates generated, the process only works if each type of certificate has its own dedicated laser printer, pre-loaded with the appropriate blank certificate - Compostela or Distance Certificate.

The more, different forms you offer, the more printers you would need. Of course, if you had the money and the computer programming was altered, you could print two different certificates from the same printer. I am not presuming that, as I do not yet have first-hand knowledge.

Hope this explains the process adequately, insofar as I am aware.

Tom

 

[Flog]

The blank, pre-printed Compostelas, must be loaded into the printer as one would load blank paper. The Compostelas and Distance Certificates are "overprinted." only the blank spaces are filled in with new information - name, date, etc.

I do not know if they have a printer with multiple paper trays to handle different sized certificates. My reply here presumes they are using the same laser printers that I knew they had in the office two years ago (2022). They might have added new printers.

Presently, I have been told that, at least one printer is dedicated to printing only A3 sized Compostelas. Another, separate printer has the larger, A3 paper-sized Distance Certificates. It works, especially for higher volumes.

To print a different certificate using a single or the same printer - like the Distance certificate - requires physically changing the paper in the feed tray, or at least swapping out one feed tray for another. In any event, with perhaps a dozen or more computer workstations sending print jobs to the dedicated printer, interrupting the printing of certificate A, for Certificate B, while additional print jobs are going into the print queue, would be simply not-doable.

Finally, given the volumes of certificates generated, the process only works if each type of certificate has its own dedicated laser printer, pre-loaded with the appropriate blank certificate - Compostela or Distance Certificate.

The more, different forms you offer, the more printers you would need. Of course, if you had the money and the computer programming was altered, you could print two different certificates from the same printer. I am not presuming that, as I do not yet have first-hand knowledge.

Hope this explains the process adequately, insofar as I am aware.

Tom

Tom, not that any pilgrims (including us on the forum) need to know anything about the workings behind the printing process, or anything behind the scenes for that matter, but as you've brought it up again.. I'm afraid your guesswork explanation of it is wholly inaccurate.

that the Compostela and Distance Certificate both come out the same printer is not a surprise to me at least as a computer and printer user of many years

Yes, there are more than a dozen such individual, dedicated printers, and each of them is loaded with both Compostelas and Distance Certificates, in seperate trays.

Again, none of this matters to the pilgrim, and needn't concern any of us.

 

[Kirkie]

@Flog, that the Compostela and Distance Certificate both come out the same printer is not a surprise to me at least as a computer and printer user of many years . On Amazon, you can buy laser printers with two trays for paper input and even with three input trays. Even the laser printer that I had decades ago had already two slots for feeding the print media into the printer - one for standard sized paper and one for envelopes.

@Jmancebo, you don't get asked at the desk what your reasons for walking on Camino were. You apply for your Compostela online, either through your mobile phone or other electronic device or at a kiosk/terminal in the Pilgrim Office in Santiago.

On this online form, for "Reasons for pilgrimage" you can tick (in the English version) either "Not religious" or "Other" or "Religious". Yes, in this order and yes, the wording of these three choices makes it a bit of an odd list.

No matter what you tick, you will receive a Compostela.

And for those who want a Distance Certificate in addition to the Compostela: On the online form, just click the box next to "Print mileage certificate".

Isn't that hilarious! A mileage certificate! After all the kilometres walked... or cycled, or limped!

 

[Kathar1na]

Isn't that hilarious! A mileage certificate! After all the kilometres walked... or cycled, or limped!

A lot of the translation from Spanish into the various languages is unfortunate. It happens when the translator (whether amateur or professional) has no clue about what it is about and what the context is and just sees the words.

Spanish "medio de transporte" (i.e. on foot, bicycle and so on) is English "conveyance". My English vocabulary is quite good but I would have had to look up conveyance to know what it means. Remember that English is a foreign language for many non-Spanish walkers. But it works ... all you have to do is click on it and then you see the drop down menu and you know that you have to select "Walking".

 

[trecile]

Isn't that hilarious! A mileage certificate!

Is kilometerage a word?

 

[trecile]

Is kilometerage a word?

I'm searching for an answer for my own question I l discovered the Spanish word Kilometraje

 

[Kirkie]

Is kilometerage a word?

Invent it! My inclination would be to delete the second e.

 

[Kathar1na]

Is kilometerage a word?

I don't know but I see that in German they have chosen "Kilometerbescheinigung" - "Kilometer certificate".

There is of course "distance certificate".

A good translation does not try to find an equivalent word, especially not when you write instructions for users. You try to think in their linguistic/cultural world and find the best expression where they understand meaning easily.

 

[trecile]

Invent it! My inclination would be to delete the second e.

Apparently not an English word yet.

I found this on Collin's English Dictionary.

https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/submission/4492/kilometerage

 

[Kirkie]

Reply to @Kathar1na
I think that is behind the shift from 'translator' to 'interpreter' in viva voce context.

 

[Kirkie]

I don't know but I see that in German they have chosen "Kilometerbescheinigung" - "Kilometer certificate".

There is of course "distance certificate".

A good translation does not try to find an equivalent word, especially not when you write instructions for users. You try to think in their linguistic/cultural world and find the best expression where they understand meaning easily.

I loved the German way of adding on bits so that words could be almost endless, when I was learning it in school. My explanation is appalling, but I know what I mean! It is such a shame I have never needed to use it...but I can still recite and sing... ok, I promise, I won't

 

[JennyH94]

The blank, pre-printed Compostelas, must be loaded into the printer as one would load blank paper. The Compostelas and Distance Certificates are "overprinted." only the blank spaces are filled in with new information - name, date, etc.

I do not know if they have a printer with multiple paper trays to handle different sized certificates. My reply here presumes they are using the same laser printers that I knew they had in the office two years ago (2022). They might have added new printers.

Presently, I have been told that, at least one printer is dedicated to printing only A3 sized Compostelas. Another, separate printer has the larger, A3 paper-sized Distance Certificates. It works, especially for higher volumes.

To print a different certificate using a single or the same printer - like the Distance certificate - requires physically changing the paper in the feed tray, or at least swapping out one feed tray for another. In any event, with perhaps a dozen or more computer workstations sending print jobs to the dedicated printer, interrupting the printing of certificate A, for Certificate B, while additional print jobs are going into the print queue, would be simply not-doable.

Finally, given the volumes of certificates generated, the process only works if each type of certificate has its own dedicated laser printer, pre-loaded with the appropriate blank certificate - Compostela or Distance Certificate.

The more, different forms you offer, the more printers you would need. Of course, if you had the money and the computer programming was altered, you could print two different certificates from the same printer. I am not presuming that, as I do not yet have first-hand knowledge.

Hope this explains the process adequately, insofar as I am aware.

Tom

Hi Tom and everyone following this thread.

I can concur with Flog about the current printers at the counters at the Pilgrim Office. On my two times volunteering there - last year and this year - I’ve found the printer has two trays - one for the compostelas and one for the distance certificates - both A4 in size and very conveniently sized to roll up in the tubes pilgrims can buy to protect the documents. It’s amazing how quickly those trays empty when the Pilgrim Office is busy!

The Welcome certificate is still in use and when I’ve been asked to issue one I’ve handwritten the personal details neatly. The only other certificate that I’ve been asked to issue is the Childrens’ certificate which is one that has the personal details handwritten.

I have to say this thread takes me STRAIGHT to the Pilgrim Office and to thoughts of the most valuable and special work everyone there - permanent staff and volunteers - all do. Thanks to Jmancebo for sharing initial thoughts.

Cheers from Oz -
Jenny

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Isn't that hilarious! A mileage certificate! After all the kilometres walked... or cycled, or limped!

Knew that new fangled metric system would never catch on! If I ever Camino again I shall demand a certificate in furlongs - "4000 furlongs" sounds much more impressive than a mere 800kms!

 

[t2andreo]

Tom, not that any pilgrims (including us on the forum) need to know anything about the workings behind the printing process, or anything behind the scenes for that matter, but as you've brought it up again.. I'm afraid your guesswork explanation of it is wholly inaccurate.




Yes, there are more than a dozen such individual, dedicated printers, and each of them is loaded with both Compostelas and Distance Certificates, in seperate trays.

Again, none of this matters to the pilgrim, and needn't concern any of us.

Okay, so you corrected me. Thank you. I don't mind being corrected when I am wrong.

I admit to not being able to be present for two years, due to circumstances wholly beyond my control. Clearly a LOT has changed - for the better - I think.

They appear to be doing it the correct way, at least in my view. As to the exact process, you are right. It does not matter.

Thank you again for the charitable correction.

Tom

 

[t2andreo]

Hi Tom and everyone following this thread.

I can concur with Flog about the current printers at the counters at the Pilgrim Office. On my two times volunteering there - last year and this year - I’ve found the printer has two trays - one for the compostelas and one for the distance certificates - both A4 in size and very conveniently sized to roll up in the tubes pilgrims can buy to protect the documents. It’s amazing how quickly those trays empty when the Pilgrim Office is busy!

The Welcome certificate is still in use and when I’ve been asked to issue one I’ve handwritten the personal details neatly. The only other certificate that I’ve been asked to issue is the Childrens’ certificate which is one that has the personal details handwritten.

I have to say this thread takes me STRAIGHT to the Pilgrim Office and to thoughts of the most valuable and special work everyone there - permanent staff and volunteers - all do. Thanks to Jmancebo for sharing initial thoughts.

Cheers from Oz -
Jenny

Thanks for the update based on more current experience. I hope to get back next year - 2025.

 

[Flog]

Okay, so you corrected me. Thank you.

Not at all, you're welcome. Though you could have saved yourself the trouble if you'd read post number twelve first.

 

[Delphinoula]

Reply to @Kathar1na
I think that is behind the shift from 'translator' to 'interpreter' in viva voce context.

worked in that field all translation is an interpretation. IN fact all same languages understanding is an interpretation of what the intent might be.

 

[henrythedog]

Hold on just one moment Tom

[HOOTER]

one printer is dedicated to printing only A3 sized Compostelas. Another, separate printer has the larger, A3 paper-sized Distance Certificates.

One can get A3 Compostelas and distance certificates? You do realise that’ll have the completists booking flights this evening don’t you?

 

[t2andreo]

Not at all, you're welcome. Though you could have saved yourself the trouble if you'd read post number twelve first.

Thank you for pointing that out.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I don't know but I see that in German they have chosen "Kilometerbescheinigung" - "Kilometer certificate".

There is of course "distance certificate".

A good translation does not try to find an equivalent word, especially not when you write instructions for users. You try to think in their linguistic/cultural world and find the best expression where they understand meaning easily.

They would! For my German language class I keep a log of German compound words and their English translation. The German column is three times the width of the English one.

It's interesting to see how different languages translate sentences. I saw a notice on a Tube train once. The English sentence was quite short, the French added a LOT more words and the German version just bunched them all together. Each beautiful in their own way.