Camino de Santiago Holy Year, also called the Xacobo, offers a rare and extraordinary opportunity for pilgrims worldwide. In this special time, Santiago de Compostela becomes a focal point of spiritual celebration and introspection. WAW Travel invites you to discover the essence of this auspicious period and why it’s a compelling reason for your pilgrimage.
Marking an important chapter in the Camino’s history, the Holy Year is a beacon for those seeking a deeper spiritual connection. In previous Holy Years, hundreds of thousands have flocked to Santiago, drawn by the unique experience it promises. This year, as we guide you through the traditions and significance of the Holy Year, you’ll understand why embarking on the Camino during this time is not just a journey, but a once-in-a-lifetime experience that enriches the soul.
What is a Holy Year, also called Xacobeo?
Santiago de Compostela celebrates a Holy Year, also known as Xacobeo or Año Jacobeo, whenever July 25th, the feast day of Saint James, falls on a Sunday. During a Xacobeo, the city comes alive with special events, pilgrimage celebrations, and additional church services, including the rare opening of the Holy Door of the cathedral. Pilgrims who walk the Camino and enter through this door can receive plenary indulgence under specific conditions.
The rhythm of Xacobeo years follows a cycle of 11, 6, 5, 6, 11 years, repeating over time. The last Xacobeo took place in 2021, and for the first time in history, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pope extended the holy year into 2022. The next Xacobeo will be in 2027, followed by another in 2032.
Xacobeo years are particularly festive times to walk the Camino de Santiago, as pilgrims from around the world come together to experience the spiritual, cultural, and historical richness of this unique tradition.
Xacobeo 2027 is the Next Holy Year
Xacobeo 2027 will be the next official Holy Year in Santiago de Compostela, and one of the most anticipated events on the Camino de Santiago calendar! It marks a sacred occasion when St. James’ Day, July 25th, once again falls on a Sunday. Pilgrims from all over the world are already looking ahead to Xacobeo 2027 as a powerful spiritual milestone and a once-in-a-decade cultural celebration.
During Xacobeo 2027, the Holy Door (Puerta Santa) of the Santiago Cathedral will be opened, and pilgrims who walk the Camino and enter through it will have the chance to receive a plenary indulgence, a centuries-old tradition deeply rooted in Catholic heritage. It’s a symbolic gesture of renewal, forgiveness, and deep connection to the roots of pilgrimage.
But Xacobeo 2027 is not just about religion, but it’s a time of community, history, and festivity. Expect a vibrant atmosphere across Galicia and along the Camino routes, with concerts, exhibitions, local fairs, and pilgrim-focused services. Whether you’re walking for spiritual reasons, cultural interest, or the joy of adventure, Xacobeo 2027 will be a year like no other to experience the Camino!
Planning ahead for Xacobeo 2027 is essential, as accommodations and routes are expected to be busy. Many pilgrims choose to walk their Camino earlier that year — or even in late 2026 — to beat the crowds while still soaking in the spirit of the Holy Year. Whichever way you choose to do it, Xacobeo 2027 is a unique opportunity to be part of living history. Read our article about when to book your Camino, and be sure to pay extra attention if you’re planning to go during a Xacobeo year!”
The tradition of Camino de Santiago Holy Year
In a century, there are 14 Holy Years. So it’s special, that’s clear! But why is it special to do the Camino de Santiago Holy Year, also known as the Xacobeo? In Santiago de Compostela, people began this celebration around 1426. The immense cathedral has many doors, but one of them is truly unique. The Puerta del Perdón at Plaza Quintana is always closed, except during a Xacobeo Holy Year.
The opening and closing take place on December 31 at 5 pm during a ceremony led by the archbishop. Also known as the Way of Saint James, the Camino de Santiago has the distinction of being one of the most important Christian pilgrimages in history. Over the past 1,000 years, many pilgrims have walked the Camino to the city of Santiago de Compostela, but doing it during a Xacobeo year adds a powerful spiritual and historical layer to the journey.
The holy door after your Camino
During a Xacobeo, a pilgrim can earn a full indulgence by entering through the Holy Door after completing the Camino Walk. According to the teachings of the Catholic Church, after confession and penance, there remains a temporary debt, payable in purgatory. A full or jubilee indulgence grants the believer complete remission of all temporary penalties after they have confessed and taken Communion.
That is why many pilgrims specifically choose to walk during a Xacobeo Holy Year. It is not only a chance to take part in a centuries-old tradition, but also an opportunity to pass through the symbolic Holy Door and embrace the deeper meaning of their Camino experience.
What you need to know if you plan the Camino de Santiago Holy Year
Given the unique nature of this period, numerous pilgrims are planning to walk or bike their way to Santiago de Compostela during the Xacobeo Holy Year. It’s important to be aware that the paths may be particularly crowded, especially on popular stretches like the final 100 kilometers from Sarria or Tui. This increase in pilgrim traffic calls for thoughtful planning and consideration to ensure a fulfilling and smooth experience during the Xacobeo.
Now, with these considerations in mind, let’s move on to our most important tips for your Camino de Santiago during this extraordinary Xacobeo Holy Year.
Tip 1: Be on time for Camino de Santiago Holy Year
Are you planning to go hiking or cycling the Camino during the Xacobeo Holy Year, like the upcoming Xacobeo 2027? We advise you to book your accommodations well in advance. Feel free to ask us for advice. Let us know which Camino you want to walk or cycle.
Tip 2: July 25th is the day
As you may have read, July 25 is Saint James Day. Many pilgrims choose to arrive after their Camino de Santiago during a Xacobeo Holy Year on this specific day. So this can be a very busy day in the city. Accommodations are difficult to find or very expensive. This is not a problem, you just have to plan in advance. Remember: 2022 was considered a Holy Year too!
For Xacobeo 2027, plan your Camino Walk during this time so that you arrive on July 25 and book your accommodation early. There are all kinds of festivities in the city during that week, definitely worth experiencing. Do you want to avoid the crowds? Then you can arrive in Santiago on any day you want.
Tip 3: The best time to do Camino de Santiago Holy Year but without crowded paths?
Would you prefer to avoid Santiago for the whole month of July? No problem. You can cycle or do a Camino Walk from March to October. The weather conditions during this period are great for a Camino Walk or bike. You will still experience the spirit of the Xacobeo Holy Year, but with more peaceful paths. You then have the Camino all to yourself.
Tip 4: Choose a more unknown Camino de Santiago Holy Year
In past Xacobeo Holy Years, such as 2021 and 2022, many pilgrims chose the well-known pilgrimage routes, such as the Camino Frances, Camino del Norte or Camino Portugués. For the upcoming Xacobeo 2027, you can choose to go on a Camino Walk during the Holy Year on more unknown caminos around Spain. Think, for example, of the Cami de Cavalls in Menorca. You will discover authentic fishing villages, the most beautiful deserted beaches and all this in ultimate tranquillity.
Tip 5: Discover other parts of the pilgrimage route
Another idea for Xacobeo 2027 is to walk or cycle different sections of the Camino, where the journey may not necessarily culminate in Santiago. This approach allows you to avoid the crowded final destination that many pilgrims aim for during this special period. We present you with some alternative options:
- Part of the Camino Frances from Pamplona to Leon. This route has everything: an authentic atmosphere, picturesque villages and beautiful nature in Spain’s best gastronomic regions. This part of the Camino de Santiago is very varied and absolutely commendable.
- The first part of the Camino del Norte: the Camino Walk from Irun to Bilbao and/or from Bilbao to Santander. This one is hard, but so authentic and beautiful along Spain’s north coast. This famous coastline has beautiful beaches with cliffs, great restaurants, idyllic fishing villages and fantastic cities.
- Another idea is to start your Camino walk. Yes, why not? The Camino de Finisterre is a pilgrimage route that does not end in the Galician capital but begins. You literally walk or cycle to the “end of the world.” A Camino Walk in the Xacobeo Holy Year to never forget!
Ready to Embrace the Camino Journey?
Is walking or cycling the Camino to Santiago de Compostela a dream of yours? If so, it might be time to turn that dream into reality. To help you decide, I invite you to read my blog about the 5 symptoms that let you know that it is really time to take action. This blog will guide you through the signs that you’re ready for this life-changing journey.
Personalized Travel Solutions for Your Camino Experience
At WAW.travel, we understand that each pilgrim’s journey is unique. That’s why we offer a variety of travel solutions, custom-designed to suit your individual preferences for walking in Spain to Santiago de Compostela. Whether you’re seeking a solitary experience or a guided adventure, we’re here to make your Camino dream a reality.
Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions, we will be happy to help you join this amazing adventure! Write an email to hey@waw.travel or follow us on our social profiles for constant news and updates on Instagram and on Facebook. Buen Camino!
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