Camino de Santiago (Saint James Way) celebrates the European scale of the many pilgrim routes to Santiago de Compostela!
Between May 2 and 11 the European Federation of Saint James Way as the holder of the Council of Europe’s Cultural Route certification presents its annual series of events coinciding with the celebrations of Europe Day. Check out these inspiring and emotional activities around the continent!
Share your impressions with us using the hashtag #EuDaysOfCamino !
SPAIN
09 May, 12:00
The Bells of the Camino
Location: Santiago de Compostela and other localities along the pilgrims’ routes to Santiago, GPS coordinates: 42.88076625289638 / -8.544399121897
The bells of the churches along the Camino de Santiago will ring at the same time to commemorate the Camino de Santiago and Europe Day.
Contact: https://www.caminodesantiago.gal
11 May, 09:00
“Los Safaris del Camino” Nature activity
Location: Fuente Dé Cable Car, Picos de Europa, Cantabria, GPS coordinates: 43.144091790579466 / 4.812128310066112
Educational and recreational activity organized by the Fundación Cam,ino Lebaniego through the Steps for LIFE project. This initiative seeks to promote the conservation of biodiversity and environmental awareness through guided routes along the Camino Lebaniego pilgrimage route territory. Participants, guided by expert biologists, will have the opportunity to observe and learn about the local fauna and flora, thus contributing to the protection of ecosystems. Join us to explore and preserve nature! Safari on May 11th : Banding in Tina Menor, taking advantage of the migratory passage of ascent. Registration required.
Contact: programacion@caminolebaniego.com
PORTUGAL
10 May, 15:00 p.m.
Location: Church of Taipas, next to the Supreme Court of Justice, Oporto, GPS coordinates: 41.144607541291 / -8.616883851947952
Celebration: 700 years of the Historical pilgrimage of the Holy Queen Isabel to Compostela and 400 years since her canonization
The Jacobean Study Center – Portuguese Ways to Santiago de Compostela, noting that in the year 2025, 700 years will have passed since the historical pilgrimage of the Holy Queen Isabel to Compostela and 400 years since her canonization, decided to celebrate these dates with a Seminar under the themes:
- Holy Queen Isabel presentation and reason for the thematic celebration – reference to the persistence of her cult, by Maria da Graça Gil Beça Sanches da Gama;
- Holy Queen Isabel (1270-1336) inspiring life of a woman from the Middle Ages in the 21st century, by DOCTOR Maria José Azevedo Santos – Faculty of Arts of the University of Coimbra – Center for the History of Society and Culture;
- Holy Queen Isabel: an example of Holiness in the world, by Father Gonçalo Portocarrero.
Contact: +351 916 464 189
16 May, 15:30
Location: Igreja do Castelo Templário, Estrada do Convento, GPS coordinates: 39° 36′ 15″ N / 8° 25′ 22″ O
Workshop “Tarte de Santiago e Chá do Peregrino”
Learn how to make and taste the Santiago Tart with hot tea, a drink much appreciated by pilgrims. No registration required.
Contact: turismo@cm-tomar.pt ; +351249329823, https://www.cm-tomar.pt/index.php/comunicacao/agenda/outros-eventos/dias-europeus-do-caminho-de-santiago
16 May, 18:30
Discussion “Caminho a cultural bond” by writer and pilgrim Luis Ferreira
Location: Igreja do Castelo Templário, Estrada do Convento, GPS coordinates : 39° 36′ 15″ N / 8° 25′ 22″ O
Talk about the great cultural experience that the Caminno can be. No registration required
Contact: turismo@cm-tomar.pt, +351249329823, https://www.cm-tomar.pt/index.php/comunicacao/agenda/outros-eventos/dias-europeus-do-caminho-de-santiago
22-24 May 2025
Location: – Vila Pouca de Aguiar
III Pilgrim Forum
The Pilgrim Forum is an annual event organized by the Portuguese Federation of the Way of Saint James with the aim of discussing current and relevant topics for the development of the Way of Saint James in Portugal, involving pilgrim associations, local authorities, religious entities, national entities that oversee Culture and Tourism, civil society, private operators and the general public. The aim is to create a moment of open participation and broad strategic reflection, where all actors on the Camino de Santiago can make their contribution. The Forum will include a first day of lectures, with some of the best national and international speakers, in thematic panels, and a second training moment, aimed at all human resources who deal directly with pilgrims. The third day includes the experience of walking a section of the Interior Portuguese Way of Saint James and visiting two public pilgrim hostels.
Pre-registration: https://forms.gle/zZBVySbnismp4pG66
Contact: geral@fpcsantiago.pt , https://fpcsantiago.pt/
THE NETHERLANDS
Location: multiple locations in the Grensmaasvallei
Cycling tour: the wonders of the Grensmaasvallei
Discover the wonders of the Grensmaasvallei by bike with one of the loops of the Route full of Wonder! Using your smartphone, you can use audio and 360-degree tours to take a look at places that normally remain closed. The route can be cycled daily. Pick up the free route map at one of the Visit Zuid-Limburg Experiences.
Contact: info@visitzuidlimburg.nl , https://www.visitzuidlimburg.nl/ontdek/bezin-in-zuid-limburg/route-vol-verwondering/
Location: multiple locations in Zuid-Limburg
Walks: pilgrim for a day
Is a multi-day pilgrimage along the Jacob’s path too much? Experience the pilgrim feeling during one of the 11 caminis in South Limburg. These short walks are each linked to a life lesson and help you come to your senses through sayings and assignments. Just like on the real route to Santiago de Compostela, you can get a stamp for each one. The walks can be walked daily. Get the ‘Bezin in Zuid-Limburg’ brochure at one of the Visit Zuid-Limburg Experiences.
Contact: info@visitzuidlimburg.nl , https://www.visitzuidlimburg.nl/ontdek/bezin-in-zuid-limburg/jacobspad-zuid-limburg/camini-s/
Location: multiple locations in Zuid-Limburg
A digital glimpse of religious heritage
Along the Jacobs route, you will find a lot of extraordinary religious heritage. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to take a look inside. Would you still like to take a look inside? At several places, you can use your smartphone to take a look inside with 360-degree images or go upstairs and listen to the special stories of the audio tours. Take a look at the Vault on the Sjaasberg, at the Cunibertus Church in Wahlwiller or one of the other places. You can even do it from the comfort of your own home!
Contact: info@visitzuidlimburg.nl , https://www.visitzuidlimburg.nl/te-doen-in-zuid-limburg/historisch-erfgoed/kerken-en-kloosters/
Location: Multiple locations in Zuid-Limburg
Pilgrimages by bicycle along the basilicas
Beschrijving evenement: South Limburg has a rich religious past. You don’t have to look far to find exceptional religious heritage. Extra special are the basilicas: churches elevated to basilica by the Pope because of their special function or past. Discover the two ‘pilgrim cycling routes’ that lead you past the basilicas of Sittard, Susteren and Meerssen and other special religious heritage. Part of the route leads you along the Jacob’s path to Santiago de Compostela.
Contact: info@visitzuidlimburg.nl , https://www.visitzuidlimburg.nl/te-doen-in-zuid-limburg/routes-in-zuid-limburg/detail/langs-de-zuid-limburgse-basilieken—meerssen/405342/
03, 07 and 10 May
Location: Klooster Wittem, Wittem
Tour behind the monastery walls and place of pilgrimage in Wittem
Take a look behind the monastery walls of the place of pilgrimage in Wittem on this guided tour. During the tour, you will be taken through the church and chapels, the refectory, the garden, the crypt and the monumental monastery library. Afterwards there will be coffee or tea with cake. Costs: € 14 incl. coffee/tea and cake.
Contact: +31434501741, https://www.kloosterwittem.nl/?utm_source=www.visitzuidlimburg.nl&utm_medium=referral
02-11 May, 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM
Location: Museum Maastricht, Avenue Céramique 50, Maastricht
Exposition: Pilgrimage to Maastricht
Pilgrimage to Maastricht: An inspiring perspective on the history of the Pilgrimage of the Relics. The Maastricht Museum presents a remarkable exhibition that brings the rich tradition of the Pilgrimage of the Relics to life. This centuries-old tradition, which intertwines religion, cultural history, and commerce, is given a renewed perspective in an exhibition filled with captivating stories and historical masterpieces. Visitors are taken on a journey through time, from the Middle Ages to the present day. Closed on 5 May.
Contact: +31434501741, https://www.maastrichtmuseum.nl/en
ITALY
2-4 May
Location: Piazza Duomo – Pistoia, 51100 – Toscana, GPS coordinates: 43°56′N / 10°55′E
Jubilee on the Way – From S. Giacomo to S. Pietro
Pilgrim meetings, conferences, stand opening and Departure from Pistoia of pilgrim relay & walk on the Via di San Jacopo up to Rome to bring together a message of Peace.
Contact: federcammini@gmail.com , https://www.federcammini.com
CROATIA
10 May
Location: Nezakcij – Mutvoran, GPS coordinates: 44.959801343501645 / 13.98376990371318
Camino South Istria
Promotion of the Camino Southern Istria through walking along the section of 13 km from Nezakcij to Mutvoran. Refreshments are provided along the way, and lunch for participants at the finish line. All participants must come to Mutvoran from where a bus will take them to the starting point. Registration is required and starts from 14.4.2025.
Contact: info@pulainfo.hr ; +38552219197, https://www.southistria.com/en/camino
UKRAINE
02 May, 16:00
Location: 89 Soborna Street, Vinnytsia, GPS coordinates: 49.233939873569945 // 28.46185752784241
How to pack a pilgrim’s backpack
The event is organized in cooperation with “Gorgany”, a hiking equipment, clothing and footwear store. At the event, participants will learn how to properly prepare for the Camino, as well as what clothes and equipment to take with them. Free attendance, without registration.
Contact: caminopodolico@gmail.com , www.caminopodolico.net
09 May, 16:00
Meeting of pilgrim guides of Camino Podolico
Location: 89 Soborna Street, Vinnytsia, GPS coordinates: 49.233939873569945 // 28.46185752784241
A meeting with guides, who lead groups along the Camino Podolico route, as well as with pilgrims who have already completed the route. At the meeting, they will share their experiences, tips and ideas about the Camino Podolico route. Invited guests:
- Yuriy Tsybukh (online) – a guide and architect in Lviv, walked the Camino Podolico route in 2024
- Ruslana Dolhovesova (online) – guides pilgrims along the Camino Podolico route
- Svitlana Hordiychuk (offline) – a guide, Camino Podolico ambassador
Free attendance, without registration
Contact: caminopodolico@gmail.com ,: www.caminopodolico.net
11 May, 18:00
Presentation of the book “The Way of St. James” by Dzvinka Matiyash
Location: 89 Soborna Street, Vinnytsia, GPS coordinates: 49.233939873569945 // 28.46185752784241
Description: Presentation of the book “The Road of St. James” by Ukrainian writer and translator Dzvinka Matiyash, in which the author tells about her experience of traveling the path, physical and moral efforts, meeting people from different countries and their stories. Free attendance, without registration.
Contact: caminopodolico@gmail.com , www.caminopodolico.net
