The Jacobean Holy Year was established by Pope Callixtus II in 1126. The Catholic Church promised to pardon the sins of everyone who took the pilgrimage to the Apostle’s tomb during the Holy Year, what is known as “earning the Jubilee”. To earn the Jubilee, 3 steps may be completed: Visit the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain; say a prayer and pray for the Pope’s intentions; confess and receive communion. It is only during the Holy year that the Cathedral’s Holy Door will be opened so pilgrims can experience the privilege of entering through it.
2021-22: 120th edition and a special 2-year Xacobeo
The Xacobeo, also known as Jacobean Year, Holy Year or Jubilee Year, is celebrated when the festival of James the Apostle or Santiago (25th July) falls on a Sunday. This happens usually every 5 or 6 years, occasionally have to wait up to 11 years to celebrate the next Holy Year. Now, for the first time, the celebration of the Xacobeo Holy Year will be extended over two consecutive years (2021 and 2022) because of the pandemic.
Return the the Camino after a pandemic year
For the first time in its history, 2020 was a year when the Jacobean routes where empty of pilgrims. Covid-19 did not make it possible for pilgrims to step on the Camino for months but, now, with the increasing vaccination rates and the wished stabilization of the epidemic, it is time for a greater opportunity to share the experience of the Jacobean Routes once again. With the aim to welcome back visitors, an extensive program of activities with exhibitions, concerts, congresses has been designed to make the Camino de Santiago even more attractive. Everything is designed and planned with the maximum security & health measures so as to guarantee the safety of pilgrims.
New Routes
2010 was the last Holy year and, since then, 3 new routes joined the Holy Pilgrimage: the Winter Way, the Portuguese Coastal Way and the Ruta do Mar. This implies that Holy Year 2021 will be the Jacobean with more official kilometres of routes through Galicia. In total 1600km including, besides above mentioned routes, the French Way, the English Way or, the Northern Way. During the last 4 years, Camino de Santiago has improved signage with over 1.300 ceramic and bronze shells and 3.752 cairns to guide pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela.
Enjoy the restored Cathedral
The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela has been under restoration for a few years for the Xacobeo 2021. Pilgrims will be able to contemplate it without scaffolding and with all its façades and its interior renovated. The temple will also reopen the Pórtico de la Gloria, which can be now enjoyed in its original colours.
The return of the Botafumeiro
This meter and a half high and 50 kg censer has been quiet last years since the restoration works prevented from making its traditional flight through the central nave of the Cathedral. From January, the eight “tiraboleiros” will once again set the Botafumeiro to 68 km / hour in less than 1 minute in front a the faithful crowds.
We hope above reasons are enough to consider a new experience but, if you cannot make it in 2021 and 2022, don’t worry: you will have a new opportunity in 2027, 2032 and 2038.
Need more information? Let us know, we will be glad to plan your pilgrim experience.
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