The 2021 and 2022 Camino Holy Year – Xacobeo 2021-2022

2021 was an important year for the Camino de Santiago because it was a Holy Year. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, many of the planned celebrations and events were postponed. However, the Pope extended the Holy Year to include 2022, so there is still time to enjoy it!

You may also hear Holy Years described as Jacobean Years, or Holy Years of Compostela. This one is often called Xacobeo 21-22.

There will be a plethora of events, extra church services, and thousands more people flocking to the pilgrimage trails than in a normal year. Especially on the Camino Frances.

Many people walk the Camino de Santiago for many reasons. For those who are walking with spirituality or religion in mind, Holy Years can hold special significance.

There is so much fascinating history and ceremony around Holy Years. Here are a few basic facts about them:

What makes a year a Holy Year?

A Holy Year on the Camino is a year when the feast of St James (25 July) falls on a Sunday. Because St James is the patron saint of the Camino and pilgrims, this is cause for celebration.

Why walk the Camino in a Holy Year?

According to Jacobean tradition, pilgrims who walk to Santiago de Compostela during a Holy Year and Pass through the Holy Door of the Santiago Cathedral are forgiven all their sins.

This is called a plenary indulgence and was started by Pope Calixto II.

You will also experience plenty of extra events and a whole crowd of new people. Read more about walking during a Holy Year.

When was the last Holy Year?

The last Camino Holy Year was in 2010, and before that in 2004. The first Holy Year was in 1122, so it is a very long tradition.

There are also other types of Holy Years that are not related to the Camino de Santiago. Normal Jubilee Holy Years occur every 25 years. The Pope of the day may also declare special Holy Years in between Jacobean and other Holy Years. This is what happened in 2016 when Pope Francis has declared it the Jubilee Year of Mercy.

How often are Camino Holy Years?

Camino Holy Years happen when the Therefore there is a Holy Year every 6, 5, 6 and 11 years because those years are when the feast of St James will fall on a Sunday.

The next Holy Years are 2021 (and now 2022), 2027, 2032, 2038, 2049, and many after that.

When does a Holy Year start?

Holy Years are started with the opening of the Holy Door at the Cathedral, located in the Quintana Square. This happens on the 31st of December in a ritual that will be attended by thousands. The archbishop of Santiago knocks the wall that covers the Holy Door with a silver hammer. The wall will then be fully knocked down and removed to allow pilgrims to enter.

Once the door is open it will be available for pilgrims for one year before being walled closed again.

How do I have my sins forgiven?

To receive the plenary indulgence pilgrims must walk through the Holy Door in Santiago de Compostela’s cathedral to the Apostle’s tomb and seek forgiveness for their sins. They must confess their sins (usually during a confession), pray for the Pope, attend Mass, and take communion.

The Holy Door

The Holy Door of the Santiago Cathedral (also known as the Door of Mercy or the Porta Santa) is fascinating in itself. Often unnoticed, it is around the back of the Cathedral and is accessed from the Plaza de la Quintana. When it is not open for a Holy Year, the Door is protected with metal bars.

The outer door surround is beautifully carved. An Image of Santiago with his disciples stands over the top of the door, and many smaller carved figures are to either side of the door. It is worth a visit in any year.

Which routes should I walk during the Holy Year?

That depends on what you are looking for in your Camino de Santiago walk or pilgrimage. If you want to join the energy of the crowds, pick one of the busy routes. The Camino Frances (French Way), Camino del Norte (Northern Way), and Camino Portuguese (Portuguese Way) are the most popular and will be even more alive with walkers in 2022.

The Via de la Plata (Silver Way or Camino Mozárabe or Mozarabic Way), the Camino Ingles (English Way), and the Le Puy Camino are likely to be more quiet, with more time for thinking and meditating.

We will be publishing more stories and information about the 2021 and 2022 Camino Holy Years throughout the year, so check back in regularly for more information.

Walk Your Holy Year Camino

Discover the Camino in 2022 and embrace the joys of Xacobeo 21-22! Get expert advice from Follow the Camino on which routes to walk and where to stay. Our team of expert Camino Planners are here and ready to help.

Contact us today for a free itinerary and quote!