Embark on a Camino adventure this summer with CaminoWays.com, the Camino de Santiago specialists, to enjoy some of the vibrant festivals taking place along the way.
Towns and villages across Spain and Portugal celebrate local festivities from June to September. Many of them combine a colourful mix of pagan and religious traditions, making them a very unique experience for visitors. Here's our pick of the most unique Summer Camino festivals:
Midsummer traditions in Porto - Camino Portugues
Porto comes to life on the night of 23rd June when thousands of locals and visitors celebrate Midsummer across the city streets. São João, with its bonfires, fireworks and street concerts, is appropriately known as one of Europe's liveliest festivals. One popular tradition involves jumping over bonfires to scare away evil spirits; as well as hitting other festival-goers with garlic flowers. Eat barbecued sardines and drink wine as you soak up the sounds, smells and sights of the night. It is also traditional to walk from Porto to the nearby seaside to see the sunrise by the Ocean.
Turning Roman in Lugo - Camino Primitivo
The beautiful city of Lugo, on the Camino Primitivo - Original Way, completely transforms itself and revives its Roman history and heritage for three days in late June. The Arde Lucus festival sees locals and visitors dressing up as Roman soldiers, gladiators and emperors within the city's impressive Roman Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Journey back in time as you witness gladiator fights, magic shows, statue building demonstrations, Roman weddings and slave sales.
San Fermin in Pamplona - Camino Frances
Probably the most famous Camino festival, San Fermín and the running of the bulls in Pamplona is definitely an event to be experienced at least once in life. The festivities kick off on 7th July and last for a whole week. You have plenty of time to absorb the lively 'fiesta' atmosphere that Ernest Hemingway so eloquently described in his famous novel 'The Sun Also Rises'.
Saint James in Santiago de Compostela
Many pilgrims aim to reach Santiago de Compostela on 25th July, just in time for Saint James' Day and the consequent celebrations that take place. From free concerts to firework shows, there is plenty to keep you entertained after your rewarding trek. Get a real insight into Galician culture with the wide range of traditional music and dance performances that take place in the city's old town and main squares.
Magic stones in Muxia - Finisterre Way
Visitors flock to the quaint fishing village of Muxia in early September for the Nosa Señora da Barca festival. This traditional festival gives pilgrims the opportunity to understand the region's most intriguing customs and myths. Walk nine times under the 'Pedra dos Cadrís', a stone said to have curative powers, and join in the general merriment.
For more information about the Camino de Santiago and to book your trip, contact the CaminoWays.com travel specialists.
When and Price:
Accommodation during some festivals can be limited so CaminoWays.com advises to book well in advance. Hotel rates might vary for those dates.
Price from €560 per person sharing for a 6-night Camino de Santiago holiday from Sarria to Santiago.
Special:
5% off when booking 2 months in advance.
Includes:
Standard packages include half-board accommodation, luggage transfers from hotel to hotel and holiday pack with route notes and practical information.
Does not include:
Flights, insurance
Optional:
Ask the CaminoWays.com team for hotel upgrades available in the bigger towns and cities.
*Images: St James Festival by Santiago Turismo, Sao Joao Festival by Turismo do Porto.
For more information about Camino festivals, when to travel or to book your Camino de Santiago, contact our travel specialists