. Once upon a time there was Saint-Jacques
. The golden age for pilgrimage
. The renewal of pilgrimage in the 21st century

 

The renewal of pilgrimage in the 21st century

The pilgrimage of Saint-Jacques of Compostelle has known for several years a considerable revival.

The pilgrims of today are animated by faith or by their desire to go and experience history and discover the fabulous historical and religious riches.  Others are on a quest for the essential.  Some walk for several hours a day or all day, according to their endurance and willingness. 

In 2003, the pilgrims of Saint-Jacques office delivered nearly 75000 copies of the "compostella", a document proving completion of the pilgrimage, (5 times more than in 1193).  In 2004, Jacques year (Saint-Jacques was beheaded in 44), the 25 July, Saint-Jacques day, which fell on a Sunday, we counted 180 000 pilgrims heading towards Galice.