Short description
Each year, thousands of people journey by foot and bicycle across northern Spain, following the medieval pilgrimage road known as the Camino de Santiago. These modern-day pilgrims and the role of pilgrimage in their lives are the subject of this text.
Long description
Each year thousands of people journey by foot and bicycle across northern Spain, following the medieval pilgrimage road known as the Camino de Santiago. Their destination is Santiago de Compostela where the remains of the apostle James are said to be buried. These modern-day pilgrims and the role of pilgrimage in their lives are the subject of this text. Unlike the religiously-oriented pilgrims who visit shrines such as Lourdes, the Road of St. James attracts a a mix of largely well-educated, urban middle-class participants. They choose physically demanding journeys in order to experience nature, enjoy cultural and historical patrimony, renew faith, or cope with personal trauma. This text focuses on the reanimation of the Road since the 1980s and explores what happens to the pilgrims when they return home. The author finds that pilgrims often reflect deeply on their lives and some make significant changes.