I walked my Camino in 2025. And I’m already thinking about 2027.
Not just because the Camino gets under your skin and never quite lets go – but because 2027 is something genuinely special. It’s a Holy Year. And if you’ve ever considered walking the Camino, this is the year to do it.
What is a Holy Year?
A Holy Year – or Año Xacobeo – happens when the Feast of Saint James, July 25th, falls on a Sunday. Because of leap years, Holy Years only occur 14 times in a century. You do the math. This is not something that comes around often. After 2027, the next one is 2032. Miss this one and you’re waiting five more years.
The Holy Door
During a Holy Year, the Porta Santa – the Holy Door of Santiago Cathedral – opens. Located in the Praza da Quintana, it remains open the entire year, officially from December 31st of the previous year. Walking through that door as a pilgrim, after 800 kilometres on foot, is one of those moments that stays with you regardless of whether you’re religious or not.
The Plenary Indulgence
A full plenary indulgence – the forgiveness of all sins – can be obtained during a Holy Year. To qualify, pilgrims must visit the Cathedral, pray, attend Mass, and have gone to Confession within 15 days before or after their visit.
Not Catholic? That’s fine – most pilgrims I met on the Camino weren’t walking for religious reasons either. But there’s something about the weight of this tradition, the sheer number of souls who have made this same journey for the same reason over a thousand years, that moves you whether you believe or not.
What to expect practically
2027 is expected to be one of the busiest and most celebrated Holy Years in living memory. Pilgrim numbers have been trending upward year on year, and pent-up demand from pilgrims who missed 2021 due to the pandemic will be released in full.
In plain terms: book early. Accommodation fills up fast in a normal year — in a Holy Year, it fills up faster. Start planning now.
Am I going? I hope so. I really do. See you on the Camino. 👣