This topic is one that has been rattling around in my head since we finished the Camino. Why did I find Finisterre more satisfying as an 'end' than Santiago. We rushed into the Cathedral, having galloped down to and back from the rucksac storage place and then sat there in a crowded cathedral. I felt a bit out of it during the mass and wondered 'is this it', the end that is. Getting the compostella was about as impressive as getting my car tax done, a queue, fill a form, get a document and then out. Finisterre was physically better, there was an actual end, over looking the sea and unlike Santiago, someone (two pilgrims we met and the girl in the lighthouse) actually said well done. Was that why I felt better there than in the cathedral. My own religious views (long lapsed catholic) and perhaps my need for acknowledgement may be important here. Coming back from Finisterre we spent some time in the Cathedral square and met friends and I think I began to come to terms with the 'end'
Enought introspection: what does it all mean? I think that any one finishing should spend a few days in Santiago, loafing about, chatting to friends, and generally coming to terms with the 'end'. One or other of the various rituals (finisterre, the square, hugging the saint etc) will eventually mean something important.
Mind you if I were in a powerful position in Santiago I would suggest that an ending/transition event be organised each day in a big building with a very good multi-lingual film, a very good script, incorporate the giving of the compostella and some advice/questions about life after the camino Of course such an event already exists in the Cathedral and the Church might not want competition !