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Yes, as @Bradypus said it must be the final 100 km to Santiago. But you can do that on routes other than the Francés, like the Inglés, Portuguese, Sanabrés, or you could even walk from Finisterre or Muxía provided that you walk between the two before heading east to Santiago on order to have enough distance.Anybody know for sure?
That’s a pity as the last bit is so crowded and that would have been an option . It is nice to meet your “ comrades” at the squareI have walked many times on the Camino since 1998 and the last bit from Saria is a boring mess . Some sights but always a hurry to get a bed and on the next morning very early. The first & second time exciting, but after not so much- The rule of walking at least 100 K to “qualify “for a Compostella is said to go back to the 1850’s . However is it the last 100 k or any 100 K . If you turned in your Credential showing you started in SJPP and got cellos every day to Portamarin , then took a bus to Santiago, would that qualify??? Anybody know for sure?
To me, this is more important than any certificate.It is nice to meet your “ comrades” at the square
I’ll have to check, but I recently read that the distance was first set in 1962 at 300km with no provision for cyclists.You must walk the final 100km of a recognised Camino route into Santiago to qualify for a Compostela. It is not enough to have walked any other 100km section of a Camino. If you take a bus from Portomarin to Santiago then you will not qualify for a Compostela.
Where did you hear/read that the "100km rule" dates to the 1850s? That is not the case. I walked my first Camino in 1990 and there was no minimum distance at that time. I believe it only came into effect in the run-up to the 1993 Holy Year.
This is from the pilgrim office website:
View attachment 141568
I have walked many times on the Camino since 1998 and the last bit from Saria is a boring mess . Some sights but always a hurry to get a bed and on the next morning very early. The first & second time exciting, but after not so much- The rule of walking at least 100 K to “qualify “for a Compostella is said to go back to the 1850’s . However is it the last 100 k or any 100 K . If you turned in your Credential showing you started in SJPP and got cellos every day to Portamarin , then took a bus to Santiago, would that qualify??? Anybody know for sure?
There was much better.I walked my first Camino in 1990 and there was no minimum distance at that time.
I have walked many times on the Camino since 1998 and the last bit from Saria is a boring mess . Some sights but always a hurry to get a bed and on the next morning very early. The first & second time exciting, but after not so much- The rule of walking at least 100 K to “qualify “for a Compostela is said to go back to the 1850’s . However is it the last 100 k or any 100 K . If you turned in your Credential showing you started in SJPP and got cellos every day to Portamarin , then took a bus to Santiago, would that qualify??? Anybody know for sure?
In the replies above, you have already been given the answer you sought.I have walked many times on the Camino since 1998 and the last bit from Saria is a boring mess . Some sights but always a hurry to get a bed and on the next morning very early. The first & second time exciting, but after not so much- The rule of walking at least 100 K to “qualify “for a Compostella is said to go back to the 1850’s . However is it the last 100 k or any 100 K . If you turned in your Credential showing you started in SJPP and got cellos every day to Portamarin , then took a bus to Santiago, would that qualify??? Anybody know for sure?
I think you may be mistaken here. A few years ago FICS proposed increasing the minimum distance to 300km. @Rebekah Scott posted a statement written by Anton Pombo which outlined the history of the minimum distance rule and he stated that there was no set distance prior to the 1993 Holy Year.I’ll have to check, but I recently read that the distance was first set in 1962 at 300km with no provision for cyclists.
According to the article, the distance had been set at 100km in 1993, but I had always assumed compostelas were being issued before that. Does anyone with a memory that stretches back that far know the criteria? For example, Bradypus, were compostelas being issued back then?I think you may be mistaken here. A few years ago FICS proposed increasing the minimum distance to 300km. @Rebekah Scott posted a statement written by Anton Pombo which outlined the history of the minimum distance rule and he stated that there was no set distance prior to the 1993 Holy Year.
Thread 'FICS Forum: Why Change the 100 km. rule to 300 km.?' https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...m-why-change-the-100-km-rule-to-300-km.39220/
Hi!Do you really want another compostella? I’m not certain that any purported benefit is cumulative? I think I’ve got five which, surely, is sufficient. If I collect one in March it will be on behalf of someone else. Other than the first, they’ve never left the tube they arrived home in. One day I’ll die and they’ll go in a skip.
Compostelas have been issued continuously for centuries but by the 1970s the numbers were very few. For most years of that decade less than 100 per year were handed out. The modern resurgence of interest largely dates from the 1980s.There was no minimum distance requirement. A pilgrim visited the shrine of the Apostle then asked the cathedral staff for a Compostela. There was no dedicated pilgrim office. Most often you were directed to one of the priests who had a special responsibility for pilgrims. You were then asked about your journey - including your religious or spiritual motivation. If the priest felt that your journey was genuinely a pilgrimage then you received a Compostela. My own conversation in 1990 was a long and searching one: the priest was interested in learning why a Scottish Protestant ordinand would walk to a Catholic shrine in Spain and what I understood pilgrimage to be. He barely glanced at my credencial. The 1990 Confraternity of St James guide I had been following made no mention of any minimum distance to be covered by pilgrims and I'm sure such important information would not have been overlooked.According to the article, the distance had been set at 100km in 1993, but I had always assumed compostelas were being issued before that. Does anyone with a memory that stretches back that far know the criteria? For example, Bradypus, were compostelas being issued back then?
It happened very occasionally. Before your time.Nothing I had read or heard at the time suggested that there was free accommodation on offer in Santiago.
It happened very occasionally. Before your time.
Alas, with the rebirth of the mass pilgrimage, these traditions are no longer possible to uphold.
I myself don’t need more Compostella but when I go with people( children , brothers and just interested friends) I like to share their enthusiasm of the final leg and the “paper”I have walked many times on the Camino since 1998 and the last bit from Saria is a boring mess . Some sights but always a hurry to get a bed and on the next morning very early. The first & second time exciting, but after not so much- The rule of walking at least 100 K to “qualify “for a Compostella is said to go back to the 1850’s . However is it the last 100 k or any 100 K . If you turned in your Credential showing you started in SJPP and got cellos every day to Portamarin , then took a bus to Santiago, would that qualify??? Anybody know for sure?
If you've already walked the Camino and have already got the Compostela why do you need another one? There are plenty of good long walks that avoid the crowds and are just as fulfilling.I have walked many times on the Camino since 1998 and the last bit from Saria is a boring mess . Some sights but always a hurry to get a bed and on the next morning very early. The first & second time exciting, but after not so much- The rule of walking at least 100 K to “qualify “for a Compostella is said to go back to the 1850’s . However is it the last 100 k or any 100 K . If you turned in your Credential showing you started in SJPP and got cellos every day to Portamarin , then took a bus to Santiago, would that qualify??? Anybody know for sure?
I wonder if you are referring to the letter with that date from the pilgrim office. @Kathar1na posted a copy of it here some years ago. I have just looked at it again. I am reading it using Google Translate as my Spanish is not up to the task. I'm not clear whether it is announcing a change in the Compostela rules from that date or whether it is a clarification and repetition of an existing rule. Given the depth of personal knowledge of Camino history amongst the FICS membership I would be very surprised to learn they made such a large error in dating such a major change in practice.Just a quick note. The “walk the last 100 km into Santiago to be eligible for a Compostela” was established in 1999. July 6, 1999.
Last year I started in Pamplona, for my 4th Camino. Got stamps everyday to Sarria, then took a bus to Santiago. No problem getting the Compostela. Then walked onto Muxia. I don’t care for the Sarria-Santiago experience.I have walked many times on the Camino since 1998 and the last bit from Saria is a boring mess . Some sights but always a hurry to get a bed and on the next morning very early. The first & second time exciting, but after not so much- The rule of walking at least 100 K to “qualify “for a Compostella is said to go back to the 1850’s . However is it the last 100 k or any 100 K . If you turned in your Credential showing you started in SJPP and got cellos every day to Portamarin , then took a bus to Santiago, would that qualify??? Anybody know for sure?
Last year I started in Pamplona, for my 4th Camino. Got stamps everyday to Sarria, then took a bus to Santiago. No problem getting the Compostela. Then walked onto Muxia. I don’t care for the Sarria-Santiago experience.
I remember that discussion . I was all for changing the distance to 300k. Only because I thought it may relieve some of that Sarria-Santiago congestion. I also remember that it seemed like the powers that be had no inclination to make that change.I think you may be mistaken here. A few years ago FICS proposed increasing the minimum distance to 300km. @Rebekah Scott posted a statement written by Anton Pombo which outlined the history of the minimum distance rule and he stated that there was no set distance prior to the 1993 Holy Year.
Thread 'FICS Forum: Why Change the 100 km. rule to 300 km.?' https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...m-why-change-the-100-km-rule-to-300-km.39220/
Not to question but to ask. I was under the impression (easily could be wrong) that the camino to Finestere/Muxia was not a recognized route and could not be counted towards a compostela or a distance certificate. Is this wrong?Yes, as @Bradypus said it must be the final 100 km to Santiago. But you can do that on routes other than the Francés, like the Inglés, Portuguese, Sanabrés, or you could even walk from Finisterre or Muxía provided that you walk between the two before heading east to Santiago on order to have enough distance.
Probably because the person issuing the Compostela barely looked at the Credential. That has happened to me twice. I walk long caminos and twice at the pilgrim office the person behind the counter just opened and closed my credential like an accordian. Stamped it and handed the credential and compostela back to me.How did you manage to receive your Compostela seeing you did not walk the last 100k?
The camino to Finisterre/Muxia would not be accepted. But if you start at the coast and walk Finisterre - Muxia - Santiago or Muxia - Finisterre - Santiago then the pilgrim office recognise that journey. Your journey must include both Finisterre and Muxia because the direct distance from either is not enough to meet the 100km minimum rule.Not to question but to ask. I was under the impression (easily could be wrong) that the camino to Finestere/Muxia was not a recognized route and could not be counted towards a compostela or a distance certificate. Is this wrong?
I am no camino historian and have not read alot of books about the camino. Personally I am bored and not interested in other people's books that are self published. Not a knock, just no interest. But the Gitlitz/Davidson book is really excellent. There were things I really were interested in and other things I had no interest in like the fauna etc. But it is laid out so well as to be able to zero in on what you like, or read it all! I do remember hearing after my first camino in 2013 that the first 10 pilgrims received a free pilgrim room. I never was able to confirm that rumor and now I believe a pilgrim can receive a small discount (II think 10%) when booking a room in the Parador.It happened very occasionally. Before your time.
David Gitlitz/Linda Davidson refer in their Cultural Handbook to Fernando and Isabel's charter for the Parador in Santiago and report in their book on p. 769-770 that they knew about the right to free food and accommodation and claimed it: When we arrived in 1974 with our group at the end of our first pilgrimage, the doorman's eyes popped with surprise, but we were duly housed and fed for free [for 3 days and nights]. And: Alas, with the rebirth of the mass pilgrimage, these traditions are no longer possible to uphold.
Fernando Lalando reports in his booklet Sois peregrinos? 1976 - Un Camino en la Transición that in 1976 he and his brother were told by the priest who interviewed them about their pilgrimage and who gave them the papeleta (slip of paper confirming their arrival at the Cathedral) that they have the derecho a comer y cenar durante tres días en el Parador Nacional de los Reyes Católicos y a dormir otras tres noces en el convento Franciscano de la ciudad.
Note that these are first-hand reports. They are not taken from a Camino book where the author may well have "heard" something or copied something from another Camino book or jumped to a generalisation of a single or of isolated occurrences.
Well ... my guess is that Ellen O. Feinberg did not quite nail it in her Camino book of 1989 and Sasha D. Pack was not quite wise to rely on her book in 2010 or misunderstood what she had written. There was indeed something with 300 km in those early days of the Camino revival but it was most likely quite different from what is presented here.In: Revival of the Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela: The Politics of Religious, National, and European Patrimony, 1879–1988* Sasha D. Pack State University of New York at Buffalo
"To recognize pilgrims of the authentic type, the church began in 1965 to issue a special certificate to those who trekked more than 300 kilometers on foot. [...]
Citing:
Ellen O. Feinberg, Following the Milky Way: A Pilgrimage across Spain (Ames, IA, 1989), 281–82.
It is a pilgrimage, and a pilgrimage is about going to a specific shrine. In this case, it's the cathedral in Santiago.I have walked many times on the Camino since 1998 and the last bit from Saria is a boring mess . Some sights but always a hurry to get a bed and on the next morning very early. The first & second time exciting, but after not so much- The rule of walking at least 100 K to “qualify “for a Compostella is said to go back to the 1850’s . However is it the last 100 k or any 100 K . If you turned in your Credential showing you started in SJPP and got cellos every day to Portamarin , then took a bus to Santiago, would that qualify??? Anybody know for sure?
oops quoted the wrong person, sorry! I amended my original comment...It is not me. I simply quoted @Tvsteve
Walked into the office, showed my stamped passport. No questions, no issues. Easy peasy.How did you manage to receive your Compostela seeing you did not walk the last 100k?
They shouldn't have given it to you as you did not meet the requirements.Walked into the office, showed my stamped passport. No questions, no issues. Easy peasy.
Walked into the office, showed my stamped passport. No questions, no issues. Easy peasy.
Is there a special Compostela delivered to the horse, in such case ?Riding a horse brings with it challenges that make the journey more difficult than riding a bicycle.
And you felt ethically/ morally ok with this?
True, but it’s held to assist in reducing time spent in Purgatory. Bit of a blow to find yourself stuck 100km short of the Pearly GatesI just have a phone call with St Peter and for sure, the Compostela is not a free ticket for heaven.
This paper does not mean anything except for those who give it a meaning.
Therefore, the "ethical/moral" question about the Compostela seems irrelevant to me.
I just have a phone call with St Peter and for sure, the Compostela is not a free ticket for heaven.
This paper does not mean anything except for those who give it a meaning.
Therefore, the "ethical/moral" question about the Compostela seems irrelevant to me.
If you find the last 100 km boring, try it out of the main walking seasons. It is a wonderful walk, full of interesting villages, of ancient churches and other buildings of historical and architectural interest, varied countryside with many superb views, and plentiful accommodation, much of which can be reserved in advance. Walking conditions are frequently ideal out of season. The weather in Santiago for the next four days, for example, is forecast as bright sunshine and about 68F (20C), 44F (7C) at night. Who could complain at that?the last bit from Saria is a boring mess
That would be pretty hot even in summer. 68F is about 20C.The weather in Santiago for the next four days, for example, is forecast as bright sunshine and about 68F (44C). Who could complain at that?
If you find the last 100 km boring, try it out of the main walking seasons. It is a wonderful walk, full of interesting villages, of ancient churches and other buildings of historical and architectural interest, varied countryside with many superb views, and plentiful accommodation, much of which can be reserved in advance. Walking conditions are frequently ideal out of season. The weather in Santiago for the next four days, for example, is forecast as bright sunshine and about 68F (44C). Who could complain at that?
And, as pointed out above, the Camino Invierno is a fabulous alternative route.
I don’t mean to downgrade the last 100 , but having done it 8 time , plus noisy crowds it certainly no Aragonnes solitudeIf you find the last 100 km boring, try it out of the main walking seasons. It is a wonderful walk, full of interesting villages, of ancient churches and other buildings of historical and architectural interest, varied countryside with many superb views, and plentiful accommodation, much of which can be reserved in advance. Walking conditions are frequently ideal out of season. The weather in Santiago for the next four days, for example, is forecast as bright sunshine and about 68F (44C). Who could complain at that?
And, as pointed out above, the Camino Invierno is a fabulous alternative route.
Quite right! Thank you, SabsP. and others. Done in haste and my mistake. Suitably amended.Not 44 C but around 20 C.
It helps to stay off stage of the guidebooks. I've walked in recent years, in busy times, and have been in albergues by myself, or with only a handful of people. In spite of crowds I have enjoyed being in Galicia more in recent years, I think I was so tired before, I hadn't noticed how beautiful it is. I love Sarria for how festive it feels, though attempting to get a meal above the stairs can be trying due to how crowded the restaurants get, especially in the morning.There was much better.
The problem now, is, for any reason, people do want a Compostela, and they are ready to walk the 100 last km (but generally not even a meter more) to get it.
It is overrated and it makes the last 100 km overcrowded: some pilgrims there are called "turigrinos" (tourists-pilgrims) because it seems that in Spain it is a must to have a Compostela joined to the curriculum vitae. I heard that many Galician people along the Camino from Sarria are tired by so many pilgrims...
People won’t like this but there is a way utilised by many. Several ways. First take a taxi, stop outside a village or two and stroll in and get a sello. The other way is to take a bus tour. Around Spain After my Camino I saw bus tours advertised which guaranteed a compostela at the end, no walking. I saw this several times too on my walk and a number of other pilgrims I met up with remarked on it too. Coming through Boadilla de Camino, the albergue on the western edge of the town was disgorging 20 or 30 people straight into a waiting bus. Similarly entering Olveiron on the way to Fisterre later. Two buses pulled up and disgorged their passengers who comandeered all available accomodation. They later lined up in Fisterre for their compostelas, but the bus did drop them off a few k’s before. And all this was in winter too when the walk was largely deserted. Remember that the Camino is an important business. In winter in particular there are places that need to keep some sort of cash flow going. So I don’t think we should be too precious or judgemental about all this. But if anyone decides to do it, I hope they don’t use this siteI have walked many times on the Camino since 1998 and the last bit from Saria is a boring mess . Some sights but always a hurry to get a bed and on the next morning very early. The first & second time exciting, but after not so much- The rule of walking at least 100 K to “qualify “for a Compostella is said to go back to the 1850’s . However is it the last 100 k or any 100 K . If you turned in your Credential showing you started in SJPP and got cellos every day to Portamarin , then took a bus to Santiago, would that qualify??? Anybody know for sure?
So I don’t think we should be too precious or judgemental about all this. But if anyone decides to do it, I hope they don’t use this site
Of course the methods you mention to get a Compostela are possible. But what real value would it have for the person who receives one that way? I would not want the evidence of a lie hanging on my wall.People won’t like this but there is a way utilised by many. Several ways.
They shouldn't have given it to you as you did not meet the requirements.
It would have no meaning to me if I was given it without meeting the requirements, but apparently it means something to @Tvsteve. Whether someone else receives an undeserved Compostela has no impact on me.This paper does not mean anything except for those who give it a meaning.
Therefore, the "ethical/moral" question about the Compostela seems irrelevant to me.
Reqquirements are set by humans. God was apparently on the Austrian farmer's side?It would have no meaning to me if I was given it without meeting the requirements, but apparently it means something to @Tvsteve. Whether someone else receives an undeserved Compostela has no impact on me.
I do not understand: could you explain please what this means ?the Austrian farmer's side?
The farmer's walk was apparently appreciated by God, not necessarily by human rule definers. The farmer was doing his best, and that was good enough for Him.I do not understand: could you explain please what this means ?
A good example of why I would be happier if the pilgrim office scrapped their petty rules about minimum distance, number of sellos, route walked, and so on. And put more emphasis back on to the religious or spiritual motivation behind the person's pilgrimage which the Compostela text declares. In practice the pilgrim office pays no attention to the pilgrim's intentions these days. If that is too difficult to manage in the present day then perhaps it is time to drop the Compostela altogether.The farmer's walk was apparently appreciated by God, not necessarily by human rule definers. The farmer was doing his best, and that was good enough for Him.
Completely agree, distant friend. But it's all about the money, not about pure, good, clean souls, IMHO...A good example of why I would be happier if the pilgrim office scrapped their petty rules about minimum distance, number of sellos, route walked, and so on. And put more emphasis back on to the religious or spiritual motivation behind the person's pilgrimage which the Compostela text declares. In practice the pilgrim office pays no attention to the pilgrim's intentions these days. If that is too difficult to manage in the present day then perhaps it is time to drop the Compostela altogether.
Rules are rules, made by (business)men. But sometimes, people get the best of it, and behave like human beings. Good for you. I applaud.I will say that a similar thing as happened to the farmer happened to us on our first camino. We walked 45 days from SJPDP to Melide. My husband became very ill in Melide with food poisoning and could not walk or carry his pack. He was in bed in a hotel for two days and it took him about a week to recover even after he could be up and around. We had to take a taxi to Santiago and were very sad that we did not qualify for a compostella. We did go to the pilgrim office to request and purchase a distance certificate. When we were called forward the person processing our certificate looked at our credentials and then asked us several questions about why we stopped walking in Melide. We explained the illness and he said, "Well I will prepare your distance certificate and of course you will also get compostellas". We were shocked and said we did not quality for the compostella as we had taken a taxi in the last 100 km. He held up our credentials full of sellos and said, "Yes, but you have walked." He gave us our new documents including the compostellas and we both left the processing area crying and went to the chapel and prayed. It was a very emotional and we felt so unworthy and sometimes I still do.
I am still intrigued to know for sure exactly when the 100k rule was introduced. I strongly suspect it was 1999. 1993 was a holy year and also the target of a massive tourist promotion campaign. Not everyone felt it was a success:Well ... my guess is that Ellen O. Feinberg did not quite nail it in her Camino book of 1989 and Sasha D. Pack was not quite wise to rely on her book in 2010 or misunderstood what she had written. There was indeed something with 300 km in those early days of the Camino revival but it was most likely quite different from what is presented here.
I put my trust in Fernando Lalando who is from Spain, walked as a young man with his brother in 1976, stayed (I believe) involved in the Friends of Camino associations' work and published a number of small booklets about his 1976 Camino, about the history of the credencial, the history of the Compostela and the early years of the Camino 1961-1969.
According to his writing, there was a Tarjeta de Peregrino (and he supplies photos). It was not issued by the church but created by the Tourism Ministry under Manual Fraga Iribarne within the framework of a cooperation with the archbishopric and the Holy Year 1965 Commission. It was destined for the "motorised pilgrim". It had to be stamped by the tourism offices along the Camino Francés, starting in Jaca or Valcarlos and ending in Santiago. When the pilgrim-motorist had obtained all the required 11 stamps, he or she got a diploma from the Oficina de Peregrinaciones in the Rajoy Palace which was "concecido (authorised?) por S.E.H. el Cardinal Arzobispo de Santiago de Compostela".
This was available in the Holy Years 1965, 1971 and 1976. Only 428 pilgrims got their diploma in 1965 and, by courtesy, this offer was extended to foot pilgrims who could obtain it, too. In 1971, a total of 451 pilgrims obtained the diploma aunque también se relajó la distancia a tan solo los 300 últimos kilómetros del itinerario. Which means that the pilgrims no longer had to drive their cars along the whole Francés in Spain but could pick a starting point closer to Santiago, at a distance of only 300 km now, which you could leisurely do over a weekend.
Great idea!Perhaps deviate at Ponferrada on the Invierno for a less crowded walk?
I'm not American, but Australian.
I value my Compostelas.
They are in a tube in a drawer.
They are not on display.
I have never showed them to anyone.
I know what I had to do to receive them.
And I appreciate them very much.
One has my late Mother's name on it.
Another my late Father's.
If I had 'cheated' in some way, and still received them, they would be worthless to me.
It's not about what others might think, it about what I would feel.
Curiouser and curiouser. So was the 1999 letter informing the recipients of a new ruling, or was it reminding them of a pre-existing rule? I do know that the Xunta publicity for 1993 campaign was massively successful and it took even its progenitors by surprise. I'd be interested to know why (as well as when) the 100km rule was introduced. Was it to make sure only 'serious, genuine' pilgrims could get a compostela or was it a rather vain attempt to prevent the pilgrim office being overwhelmed by pilgrims demanding their compostela? Surely somebody on the forum must know.As to the 1993 versus 1999 discussion (both of them Holy Years), my humble guess is that the confusion arises, again, from quotes of quotes of quotes of a misquote. I won't claim that Fernando Lalanda is infallible but unlike so many Camino authors he at least includes photos or scans of the documents he writes about. In particular:
For 1999, @Bradypus provided a link to a screenshot and to the content of the letter that was published and/or sent, in the summer of 1999, by the Santiago Cathedral to the diocese delegates, the parishes on the Camino de Santiago, the albergue managers and the Friends of the Camino associations to point out and/or inform them that in order to get a Compostela the pilgrim walks in principle from home to Santiago but this can be reduced to a minimum of 100 km, namely the last 100 km before Santiago. The addressees were urged to inform their parishers as well as any other actual and potential pilgrim about this requirement (a requirement that was not yet printed in the credentials at the time).
As to 1993, Lalanda writes that the format of the credential (he calls this version credencial federativa) remained basically the same since the creation of this format from 1993 until 2016. The chapter about the 1993 credential includes photos and a description of its pages including the page where it says [translated from Spanish]: For the granting of the Compostela by the S.I. Catedral de Santiago, the requirements established by the S.I. Catedral de Santiago must be fulfilled, bearing in mind that the Compostela is a document that is granted when the pilgrimage is made with a religious character for at least the last 100 km on foot or on horseback or 200 km by bicycle.
Now here is the rub. As this photo is pasted into the chapter about the 1993 credential, a careless reader might assume that the part of the text quoted above was already there in 1993. However, Lalanda does mention that this text passage was only included in the slightly modified 2008 edition of the 1993 credential format.
Yes, I did this when I did the Frances from SJPP last year. Lots of people warning about how packed it would be after Sarria, but I had some very pleasant days walking and a couple of my favourite albergue evenings stopping in places between the "main" towns. It's also quite odd and interesting walking into Portomarin and Palais de Rei in the middle of the morning when they're taking a breather before the next big wave turns up later in the day!It helps to stay off stage of the guidebooks. I've walked in recent years, in busy times, and have been in albergues by myself, or with only a handful of people. In spite of crowds I have enjoyed being in Galicia more in recent years, I think I was so tired before, I hadn't noticed how beautiful it is. I love Sarria for how festive it feels, though attempting to get a meal above the stairs can be trying due to how crowded the restaurants get, especially in the morning.
Gosh, I see only now that he wrote THREE books about the history of the Compostela: Historia de la Compostela I, II and III. I have only the first one ... I think it covers all I need to know, though.For further information, I recommend Fernando Lalanda's books about the history of Camino, Compostelana/Compostela, Credencial and others. They are available on Amazon and other sites. I have several of his books as Kindle edition.
I would like to apologize: the post you answered @Robo has been deleted ("No need to be so negative and criticise others")(reply to a deleted post)
I value my Compostelas.
Perfectly understandable, Pafayac. Language, and particularly English, is so full of idioms and of words and phrases with more than one meaning. The current concentration on 'inclusive language' is a good example of this. After all, there are no words in the England language which are more inclusive than 'Man', 'mankind' and 'humanity', yet attempts are being made to outlaw these very words, despite the fact that they include all human beings, living and dead. Fully acceptable oral and written communication is hard enough for those for whom English is their first language; but it is even more difficult for those for whom it is a second or third language, and for those with a deep love and knowledge of the English language and it roots. So you should not be offended by the removal of your post: we can all be misinterpreted at times, even though we have the best of intentions.have a communication problem with english language: in my country and in my education, trying to understand, and asking questions is not considered as "negative" and "critics".
Your question about the requirements for obtaining a Compostela seems strange coming from an experienced pilgrim. If you have already received many Compostelas, why do you feel the need to collect more? I, along with many other veterans, no longer feel the need to do so. So you can take the bus, if the last 100km are so annoying for you, no?I have walked many times on the Camino since 1998 and the last bit from Saria is a boring mess . Some sights but always a hurry to get a bed and on the next morning very early. The first & second time exciting, but after not so much- The rule of walking at least 100 K to “qualify “for a Compostella is said to go back to the 1850’s . However is it the last 100 k or any 100 K . If you turned in your Credential showing you started in SJPP and got cellos every day to Portamarin , then took a bus to Santiago, would that qualify??? Anybody know for sure?
I would like to apologize: the post you answered @Robo has been deleted ("No need to be so negative and criticise others")
In have a communication problem with english language: in my country and in my education, trying to understand, and asking questions is not considered as "negative" and "critics".
If anyone was offended by my questions, sorry, that was not my intention.
Je présume que votre langue maternelle est la langue de Molière et celle de la diplomatie.I would like to apologize: the post you answered @Robo has been deleted ("No need to be so negative and criticise others")
In have a communication problem with english language: in my country and in my education, trying to understand, and asking questions is not considered as "negative" and "critics".
If anyone was offended by my questions, sorry, that was not my intention.
That is the most tenuous use of the English language word “perfection” that I have ever encounteredwhich corrects your text to perfection.
well, I meant "perfection" in connection with someone who's not a native English speaker.That is the most tenuous use of the English language word “perfection” that I have ever encountered
In 2019 (I think), I replaced @t2andreo as a "do-it-all" volunteer in the PO. (thanks for your introductions to my responsibilities, Tom). One of my tasks, due to being multilingual, was to welcome and instruct pilgrims on the PO procedures.The Pilgrim Office staff and volunteers will usually find a way to say 'yes' if the back story rings true, and the pilgrim is genuinely sincere. Remember, these folks have processed millions of requests for the Compostela over the past years. They have literally heard and seen it all. Nothing anyone will say is being heard for the first time.
Hope this helps.
Tom
You would not qualify. You need to walk the last 100 km, not any 100 km, and it has to be on a recognized route to Santiago. That said, you could bus from Sarria to Ourense on the Sanabrese and walk from there, or to Tui on the Portugues and walk from there, or start a Camino Ingles. All of these are likely to have less people than the Frances from Sarria.I have walked many times on the Camino since 1998 and the last bit from Saria is a boring mess . Some sights but always a hurry to get a bed and on the next morning very early. The first & second time exciting, but after not so much- The rule of walking at least 100 K to “qualify “for a Compostella is said to go back to the 1850’s . However is it the last 100 k or any 100 K . If you turned in your Credential showing you started in SJPP and got cellos every day to Portamarin , then took a bus to Santiago, would that qualify??? Anybody know for sure?
I remember hearing about the "three days' free lodging and meals" after my 1989 Camino (or, at least, the meals part) and hearing that it was offered at the parador. But by then it was too late. I hadn't been pursuing a Compostela. Had I known about that before hand, I might have been more assiduous with my documentation and planned my trip to earn it.In: Revival of the Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela: The Politics of Religious, National, and European Patrimony, 1879–1988* Sasha D. Pack State University of New York at Buffalo
"To recognize pilgrims of the authentic type, the church began in 1965 to issue a special certificate to those who trekked more than 300 kilometers on foot. This certificate entitled pilgrims to three days’ free lodging and meals in Santiago de Compostela, though some recipients complained that church authorities in fact treated them with little regard"
Citing:
Ellen O. Feinberg, Following the Milky Way: A Pilgrimage across Spain (Ames, IA, 1989), 281–82.
A trifle ambiguous, as it happens. Was this a revival of the Compostela as we know it, or a forerunner of the 'Completion of Distance' certificate? More to the point, what happened to my three days free meals and lodging? More research needed, obviously.
I think the difference is between the camino to Finisterre/Muxia and the Camino from Finisterre/Muxia. If you are walking from FInisterre through Muxia (or from Muxia through Finisterre) to Santiago you are walking over 100km to Santiago and it counts. If you are walking away from Santiago, that isn't counted towards a Compostela.Not to question but to ask. I was under the impression (easily could be wrong) that the camino to Finestere/Muxia was not a recognized route and could not be counted towards a compostela or a distance certificate. Is this wrong?
I believe that the reduction of time in purgatory is separate from the issuance of the Compostela. If a devout Catholic flies to the Santiago de Compostela airport, takes a cab into town and makes their way to the Cathedral, where they pray at the relics of St. James, confess, attend mass and take communion, they will receive the indulgence and reduction of time in Purgatory - no Compostela necessary. As a non-Christian, I can paper my walls with Compostelas - no post-life benefits for me. (All according to Catholic doctrine, my own beliefs notwithstanding.)True, but it’s held to assist in reducing time spent in Purgatory. Bit of a blow to find yourself stuck 100km short of the Pearly Gates
I think I read that you could get the indulgence in Villafrance del Bierzo. I'm not sure that there was any paper associated with it.I should add that, in medieval times, if you were on the road and could prove to be very sick/dying (dying was of course a valid proof), you could get your Compostela in Villafranca del Bierzo, in the church at the entrance to the town: A final service from the church... It still stands there, as a church, but today you'll have to keep on walking: New rules...
Or register (free) on ChatGPT, an AI app, which corrects your text to perfection.
Clearly the last bit of Pepi's post was written by ChatGPT.That is the most tenuous use of the English language word “perfection” that I have ever encountered
Thanks for the clarification. I knew it didn't count starting in Santiago it did not count. Great walk Muxia/Finisterre. Personally I like Muxia better. But both wonderful.I think the difference is between the camino to Finisterre/Muxia and the Camino from Finisterre/Muxia. If you are walking from FInisterre through Muxia (or from Muxia through Finisterre) to Santiago you are walking over 100km to Santiago and it counts. If you are walking away from Santiago, that isn't counted towards a Compostela.
I agree. Walk the Invierno last autumn. It's a beautiful route an not so busy.Perhaps deviate at Ponferrada on the Invierno for a less crowded walk?
I believe you need to end your Camino in Santiago to receive your Compostela. However, there are different routes that are not so crazy. Last year we did the Portuguese “Spiritual Variente” in July and it was lovely. This even included a boat ride up the river that is “ok’d” from the Church. It was a beautiful walk and far less traveled. Buen Camino!I have walked many times on the Camino since 1998 and the last bit from Saria is a boring mess . Some sights but always a hurry to get a bed and on the next morning very early. The first & second time exciting, but after not so much- The rule of walking at least 100 K to “qualify “for a Compostella is said to go back to the 1850’s . However is it the last 100 k or any 100 K . If you turned in your Credential showing you started in SJPP and got cellos every day to Portamarin , then took a bus to Santiago, would that qualify??? Anybody know for sure?
Perhaps he's collected more sins to be forgiven.If you've already walked the Camino and have already got the Compostela why do you need another one? There are plenty of good long walks that avoid the crowds and are just as fulfilling.
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