May 16, 2025 /  Members
The European Federation of Saint James Way at the photo exhibition “Routes of Europe”

The European Federation of Saint James Way was featured at the “Routes of Europe” (“Cammini in Europa”) exhibition, highlighting shared cultural heritage of historical pilgrimage paths in Europe. The exhibition was organised by the rurAllure Horizon 2020 project, funded by the European Union and aimed at promotion of rural heritage in the vicinity of European pilgrimage routes, in particular the Way of Saint James.

A common thread between past and future of pilgrimage paths

The event took place on 18-21 May 2023 and presented photographs and stories captured by contemporary pilgrims as they travelled along the Ways of Saint James, the Via Francigena, Saint Olav and many other European routes. The opening was attended by more than 50 visitors, including authors of the photographs, local walking and cycling enthusiasts, and made part of celebration of a common thread between past and future of pilgrimage paths, their shared culture, spirituality, heritage and gastronomic traditions.

The photo exhibition was hosted in the Italian town of Fidenza, located in the heart of the Via Francigena pilgrimage route. The Via Francigena was certified as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe in 1994. Spanning several centuries, the historical itinerary begins in Canterbury, England, passes through France and Switzerland, and concludes in Rome—an important destination for Christian pilgrims, alongside Jerusalem and Santiago de Compostela.


May 16, 2025 /  Members
The European Federation celebrates the European Days of Saint James Way with more than fifty events throughout Europe.

The celebrations will take place from 6 to 14 May 2023: more than fifty activities in seven countries will highlight the inclusive nature of the cultural itinerary and encourage citizens to learn about the heritage and the European component of the Jacobean route, uniting different peoples of the continent.

More than half a hundred events in seven countries

In total, more than 50 actions are planned to promote the Way, including hiking events, conferences, guided visits, podcasts, music concerts, exhibitions, digital activities and interactive experiences. All the information about each activity and location is available online in our calendar of events.

The objectives of the European Federation

By creating a network of associated partners in all the countries crossed by the Way of Saint James, the European Federation aims to bring them together and raise awareness of the Way of Saint James, conceived by the Council of Europe as a common heritage and a historical model of coexistence and solidarity.

The European Federation of Saint James Way was created in 2011, as the sole reference for The European Institute of Cultural Routes and guarantee of the application of the Cultural Route of the Council of Europe label and its values. Since then, it has been working to disseminate the experiences of the Jacobean community and coordinate actions of the different actors in each participating country, developing high-impact joint projects aimed at promoting and expanding the European network, as in the case of the European Days.

Members

The members of the Federation include the Association of Municipalities of St. James Way (Lithuania), Region Of Kujawsko-Pomorskie (Poland), South Limburg Tourist Board (The Netherlands), Cultural Heritage Department Of The Province Of Namur (Belgium), Agglomeration Community Du Puy-En-Velay (France), Città Di Assisi – Ufficio Comunicazione & Marketing (Italy), Interactive Tourism Office Of Vila Pouca De Aguiar (Portugal), Council of Culture, Linguistic Policy and Tourism of Asturias (Spain), Galicia Tourism Agency (Spain), Foundation Camino Lebaniego (Spain) and Portuguese Federation of Saint James Way (Portugal).

 

 


May 16, 2025 /  Members  /  Portugal
The Portuguese Federation of the Saint James Way presents “The Way with Heritage”

The Jacobean heritage, tangible and intangible, will be the protagonist of the space that the Portuguese Federation of the Saint James Way (FPCS), will present to the public during the Lisbon Tourism Fair – BTL, between 1 and 5 March, at the International Fair of Lisbon.

For the first time, the Portuguese Federation of the Saint James Way, which brings together 50 Portuguese municipalities and associations through which the Ways of St. James pass, will be presented at BTL, highlighting the cultural experience that walkers can enjoy during the “camino” experience.

Ana Rita Dias, President of the FPCS and Deputy Mayor of Vila Pouca de Aguiar states that “The mission of the Federation is to implement a national strategy for the improvement, dissemination and promotion of these pilgrimage routes. And the pilgrimage routes of Santiago should be recognised for their potential as “tourism products”, as they have a strong capacity to attract people with different motivations, from faith, contact with nature, culture, gastronomy, heritage. The challenge we are launching, and which we highlight, consists of walking the Way of St. James, getting to know the ancestral routes and the rich Jacobean heritage, tasting the Portuguese knowledge and flavours along the routes and living the experience of a lifetime”.

The Jacobean heritage highlighted in the BTL’2023.

Monumental cathedrals, simple chapels of Jacobean devotion, monasteries, legends and stories of pilgrims and breathtaking landscapes will be present in the space, either through their graphic representation in the stand itself and in the promotional materials, or through the animations that, throughout the days, will bring the place to life.

Each Member of the Federation (about fifty Portuguese municipalities along the Pilgrims’ Routes to Santiago, a dozen Pilgrims’ Associations and even a Parish) was invited to bring its most characteristic monument and the intangible traditions associated with the theme, highlighting the Way of St. James as an important Cultural Tourism Product of our country, where the authenticity of the Jacobean hospitality that characterizes us plays a key role.

Moments of live crafts, dramatizations of popular culture, tasting of the typical gastronomy of each route or specialized information for pilgrims, among others, will be part of a program of constant animation in the space of the Portuguese Federation during all the days of the fair.

The Lisbon Tourism Fair is the reference show for the National Tourism industry. The 2022 edition, still marked by the post-pandemic context, registered 45,569 visitors between professionals and the general public and counted with the participation of 1407 exhibitors (direct and indirect), in an exhibition area of 45,000m2 divided into four pavilions. The 2023 edition fully resumes the activities of animation and promotion of the territories, with an agenda full of experiences for those who visit the fair, transforming the fair into a fantastic “journey” to the main tourist attractions of the country and the world.

Visit the Portuguese Federation of the Way of St. James in Hall 2, stand 2A11 (in the upper north part, next to the access to Hall 1).


May 16, 2025 /  Members
The European Federation participates in the workshop for the revival of the pilgrimage route “Darb Zubaydah” between Baghdad and Mecca

On 3rd December, the European Federation of St James’ Way participated in the workshop aimed at raising awareness among Middle Eastern leaders regarding the revival of the old pilgrimage route between Baghdad and Mecca: “Darb Zubaydah”.

Catarina Chaves, executive secretary of the federation, participated in the event and, as an inspiring example, used St James’ Way and the work undertaken by the European Federation to promote this European Cultural Route, the first recognised as such by the Council of Europe in 1987.

In her presentation, Catarina Chaves presented the origins of the Jacobean route and the symbols and values that inspire it. In addition, she highlighted the work of the federation in promoting the routes that pass through each member territory, plus the reality and evolution of the Jacobean phenomenon today.

The workshop also presented examples of good practice in other pilgrimage routes such as the Kumano Kodo in Japan.

Darb Zubaydah

Internationally, the old pilgrimage route between Baghdad and Mecca was an important religious, cultural and commercial hub that enjoyed its golden age during the eighth and ninth centuries. Important structures such as palaces, bridges or water wells were erected along its route, on a paved, marked layout to facilitate the passage of pilgrims.

The route is already included on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, and new routes are expected to be added in the coming years.


May 16, 2025 /  Members  /  Poland
“Camino de Vístula” first documentary about the Vistula Way, premieres in Poland

“Vistula Way” is the documentary dedicated to the first aquatic pilgrimage created in Poland. An experiential film that narrates the first itinerary from Poland to Santiago de Compostela through the great Vistula river.

The film, directed by Teresa Kudyba, premiered in Poland with a colloquium in which the co-authors and experts on the Camino de Santiago participated. The panel discussion was introduced by Tomasz Bielicki, author of the first Way guide in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship.

 

+ Info


May 16, 2025 /  Members  /  Poland
Poland creates the first aquatic pilgrim’s way to Santiago, the Camino de Vistula

The Camino de Vistula, the first aquatic pilgrim’s way to Santiago de Compostela, was inaugurated on 20 August in Dobrzyń, on the Vistula River, where a new chapel houses the wood carving of the apostle, which was consecrated in Santiago de Compostela.

The Vistula River’s “blue trail” for pilgrims in Poland.

The celebration included the launching of the first official boat journey on the Camino de Vistula and the annual pilgrimage of the wood carving of Saint James. The carving travelled down the river from Krakow to the city of A Coruña, in Spain. Then, on land, it was taken to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where it was consecrated. Finally, it ended its journey in Dobrzyń, on the Vistula River, which is already considered to be the Vistula River’s “blue trail” for pilgrims in Poland.


May 16, 2025 /  Members  /  Poland
Run to Santiago – charity relay on Saint James Way from Brodnica (Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Poland)

27 athletes had started early saturday (15th of october) their running pilgrimage to Santiago. What is the purpose? To help Magda Janke – disabled girl from Brodnica – small town on Camino Polaco Route in Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region. As well as to promote idea of Saint James Way in the end of the Holy Year of Saint James (Jakub in polish language). That extraordinary running relay has to go over 3500 kilometers within 10 days. Every runner is to run 15-20 km a day.

In the first day runners went through the Camino Polaco – the unit of Saint James Way in Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region – the member od European Federation of Saint James Ways. Piotr Całbecki – Marshal of the Region and former president of The Federation – have met and encourage the runners in Toruń, near St. James Sanctuary, wishing them „buen camino”. Finally the relay-participans reached Bolesławiec, near the polish-german border.

 3500 kilometers within 10 days.

In next days they’ve managed to run through Leipzig – Mainz (Germany) – Reims – Paris – Poitiers (France). On friday 21st the relay had ran to Pamplona the capital of Navarra Region, where once more meet with Piotr Całbecki – honorary patron of the event.

The Polish runners traveled through León to Santiago de Comostella, where they arrived on Sunday the 23rd.

We hope that the Run to Santiago Relay would be an alive example of activity for the participans of Iacobus Mundi, the meeting of Jacobean cities in the world.


May 16, 2025 /  Lithuania  /  Members  /  Portugal  /  Spain
The European Federation of Saint James Way participated in the 11th Annual Advisory Forum on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe

The importance of cultural heritage when faced with the challenge of sustainability, the importance of promoting cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue were the main points discussed in the 11th Annual Advisory Forum on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, held in Chania, Crete, from October 5-7, 2022.

There were over 400 attendees and 100 speakers, representing 37 member states and 48 certified cultural routes. These included representatives from other international organisations, such as the EU, UNESCO, the Organisation of Ibero-American States for Education, Science and Culture (OEI) and the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), as well as various university and tourism professionals. The forum’s motto this year was “Safeguarding European values, heritage and dialogue”, and it was organised by the Council of Europe, in cooperation with the Greek Government, the region of Crete, the Municipality of Chania and its Chamber of Commerce, as well as the “Historic Cafés Route”. It was sponsored by the presidency of the Hellenic Republic.

A large delegation from Lithuania, Portugal and Spain (Galicia and Cantabria) participated on behalf of the European Federation of Saint James Way, the first of the cultural routes certified in 1987.

Laura González Dopeso, from Galicia, made a presentation on behalf of the Federation in the panel on the values inspired by the Way of Saint James.

Our colleague, Laura González Dopeso, from Galicia, participated in the panel on the values that the Saint James’ Way has inspired throughout its history, which continue today and into the future: friendship, safety, trust, care, freedom, responsibility and respect; as well as the honour and fraternity of common goals, hospitality and charity. Today, these have led to solidarity, tolerance, empathy in understanding different feelings, compassion and peace. All of these are values common to other European cultural routes and are recognised today by the pilgrims who travel Saint James’ Way throughout Europe.

In parallel with this event, a technical meeting took place that continued the dynamic started at the Fontainebleau Training Academy, with the creation of 3 working groups and the participation of representatives from the different cultural itineraries dedicated to the topics of Visibility, Cooperation and Sustainability. The partners were invited to participate actively, with specific proposals for each topic, in preparation for the next Training Academy, to take place in Périgueux-Montignac, France, organised in collaboration with the Prehistoric Rock Art Trails.

During the 3 days of the meeting, the interest and importance of good practice implemented by European cultural routes to promote culture and the social and economic development within the territories they cross became clear: A unique opportunity to highlight the importance of projects, practices and experiences and promote future alliances between the participants.

The next Annual Advisory Forum will take place in September 2023 in Lódz, Poland.


May 16, 2025 /  Members  /  Portugal
National Pilgrim’s Day in Portugal

National Pilgrim’s Day in Portugal

The Municipality of Vila Pouca de Aguiar celebrated the National Day of the Pilgrim in Portugal, with a 10 km walk on the Portuguese Interior Saint James Way, last Sunday, October 16th.

The initiative comes to relaunch the pilgrimage from Vila Pouca de Aguiar, in stages, started before the pandemic, with the gradual objective of completing the arrival to the Compostela Cathedral.

A 10 km route along the Portuguese Interior Camino de Santiago as it passes through the municipality of Vilapouca de Aguiar served to relaunch the pilgrimage after the pandemic.

The initiative was also part of the municipal campaign “Pink October” dedicated to raising awareness to Breast Cancer.

The journey carried out was very pleasant, with a low degree of difficulty, following the ancient path of medieval origin, from Sabroso to Vidago villages, with great safety and scenic beauty for the pilgrim.

More information about Portuguese Interior Saint James Way: https://cpisantiago.org/


May 16, 2025 /  Members  /  Portugal
The European Federation of the Saint James Way celebrates its 10th anniversary

The European Federation of the Saint James Way celebrated its tenth anniversary on 30 June at a meeting hosted by the Federação Portuguesa do Caminho de Santiago and the town of Vila Nova de Gaia. The event highlighted a decade of activities promoting and publicising the Camino de Santiago throughout Europe, and introduced to the public the digital tools which have been developed as part of the European project Creative Loci Iacobi, financed by the Council of Europe via the COSME programme.

The celebration also included the Portuguese Federation joining its European counterpart. The municipality of Vila Pouca de Aguiar had been the only representative of Portugal, so this action also marked the addition of a second Portuguese entity in the European Federation, this time at the national level, and the possibility of including the rest of the Portuguese Ways under the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, which currently applies only to the Inland Way (Viseu – Chaves).

A decade of activities promoting and publicising the Camino de Santiago throughout Europe

 

The event was attended by representatives of the European delegations, as well as the Portuguese delegation: Poland (current chairs of the FECS): Piotr Całbecki, Marcin Drogorób, Jacek Gajewski; Lithuania: Algis Kašėta, Gintarė Jociunskaitė, Dainius Varnas; France: Clemence Damians; Spain: Galicia – Laura María González-Dopeso Portela; Asturias – Pablo León Gasalla; Netherlands: Manon Luijten.

The Region of Cantabria also participated through the Camino Lebaniego Foundation, whose incorporation had been approved in the General Assembly the previous day.

Alongside the European delegations, the main regional and national entities relating to St James’ Way were guests at the ceremony, as of course were all the current members of the Portuguese Federation of the Saint James Way.

This event was organised by the European Federation of the Saint James Way, the Portuguese Federation of the Saint James Way, and the Town Council of Vila Nova de Gaia, and was held in the historic Cavas Ferreira.



Page 3 of 6