The Door That Is Always Open to Pilgrims

A new form of hospitality emerged in the late 20th century. It resembled the traditional welcome given along the Camino de Santiago, and was based on the value of solidarity. It is this sense of solidarity that pilgrims most value in the warm welcome they receive: simple human kindnesses that are not always apparent in today's society.

Any place can provide refuge to pilgrims, whether that is the most well-equipped, comfortable building, or the protective shade of a tree. It is the presence of the hosts, known as hospitaleros, and the welcome they extend to pilgrims that make the pilgrim hostels, known as albergues, unforgettable places that feel like home.

Pilgrims from all over the world take part in training courses to become hospitaleros. The courses teach them what is expected of a hospitalero. The calling to become a hospitalero, however, can't be taught: it comes from within. A sense of public spirit and brotherhood are at the forefront of it all.

The traditional hospitality of the Camino de Santiago is based on a sense of solidarity among pilgrims and hospitaleros. Help us today, and tomorrow we can open our pilgrim hostel to others. People from all over the world respond to the call of the Camino de Santiago to give without receiving in return.

The main attribute of a hospitalero is their positive attitude toward everyone, regardless of age, race, or creed. They are open to the world and to the Camino de Santiago, and able to overcome difficulties by tackling them head on. The smallest of friendly gestures will help pilgrims to relax, from the moment they arrive at their pilgrim hostel.

A hospitalero's mission is to make sure pilgrims feel at home, while pilgrims, just as they would at home, take responsibility for household tasks. Thus, pilgrims and hospitaleros can end up switching roles, with the guest taking care of the host.

Humanity and service … without asking anything in return. Where some might see an enormous crowd, others see the opportunity to help pilgrims who are hoping to find shelter. Hospitaleros aim to ensure that every pilgrim feels as though they are the only guest in a pilgrim hostel on that day.

All kinds of people walk the Camino de Santiago. For many of them, the spiritual welcome they receive becomes a defining moment of their pilgrimage. The washing of feet can be an extremely emotional experience for pilgrims, and one of the most spiritual for the hospitaleros who carry it out.

When it comes to the new hospitality, one of the most wonderful experiences comes from sharing a meal. There is a sense of fraternity as everyone contributes, leading to special moments that they will remember forever. The food and the place are almost irrelevant. What matters is the gathering around a single table.

Hospitaleros also share their food before starting their work as a host, and then they and the pilgrims prepare it together as night approaches. The conversation ranges from the divine to more earthly matters, and pilgrims decide how to organize themselves while they arrive, or wait to be welcomed in.

The perfect combination: hospitaleros welcoming pilgrims, and local residents welcoming hospitaleros as though they were family. No-one can expect to be fully welcomed if they forget those who in turn provide hospitality to the hospitaleros. Neighborliness is a key part of the successful running of a pilgrim hostel.

Seeing your name on a road along the Camino de Santiago. Hospitaleros do not ask for anything in return for their work. However, their work receives recognition by way of street names, and in commemorative plaques. Thus, their work becomes an inextricable part of the Camino de Santiago.

Strength in unity. Hospitaleros raising their arms in welcome. They are a picture of generosity and good work on the Camino de Santiago. The essence of a hospitalero is embodied in every volunteer who turns that hospitality into a call to hundreds of thousands of pilgrims to complete this pilgrimage.