Food in the Hostels

Discover how the pilgrims on the St. James Way eat in the hostels.

Breads in San Anton.jpg (2009)Spanish Federation of Associations of Friends of the St. James Way

In every religion, and in Christianity in particular, believers are united by the act of communion. This act, as performed by Jesus Christ with his disciples at the last supper, is remembered by Christians every Sunday of the year. Sitting down together to eat is an act of love.

Cooking for everyone (2014)Spanish Federation of Associations of Friends of the St. James Way

Cooking for others stops being a service and becomes an act of appreciation. The pilgrims work companionably over the cookers and the large pans full of pasta, rice, and beans, to share a meal at the end of a day on the Camino.

capital of the month of november (2009)Spanish Federation of Associations of Friends of the St. James Way

Some peel potatoes, others chop vegetables, others prepare fresh pasta so that when they come together, they can all share the food in a moment of solidarity and fraternity between people who are aiming for the same destination.

Before dinner (2021)Spanish Federation of Associations of Friends of the St. James Way

And the table. It is important that it is large so everyone can break bread together and get to know each other a little better each day. The table is a place to listen and be heard and for everyone to unload some of their baggage with their brothers and sisters on the Camino.

Setting the table (2018)Spanish Federation of Associations of Friends of the St. James Way

Those with the least skill in the kitchen will be the most active in the dining room: setting the table, collecting and washing the plates and cutlery, serving the food, and keeping their group of pilgrims happy, each of whom receives a dose of endorphins translated into smiles.

In company (2020)Spanish Federation of Associations of Friends of the St. James Way

In his last supper with his companions on his journey, Jesus Christ shared bread and wine. This was an austere dinner just as pilgrimage is austere; food for the body and for the soul. The inner search of every pilgrim at the same table, at the same time.

World's End (2018)Spanish Federation of Associations of Friends of the St. James Way

To sit at the table everyone needs to bring the attitudes carried on their walk of generosity, joy, solidarity, austerity, flexibility, patience, and above all, a lot of trust. Trust in the people, trust in the places, and trust in love.

Food (2021)Spanish Federation of Associations of Friends of the St. James Way

The basic elements of food are protein, carbohydrates, fats, and most of all, love. Love is wanting to share a moment with your companions around a table, among the pots and pans, to finish a day of peace and reflection.

Breakfast (2016)Spanish Federation of Associations of Friends of the St. James Way

Pilgrim's menu in a restaurant in a small town on the Camino. An establishment that offers comfort and a place for the body and soul to recover at an early hour. A local who has found work in hosting and hospitality.

Dinner at the shelter (2003)Spanish Federation of Associations of Friends of the St. James Way

Nobody eats alone in either a hostel or a restaurant. The pilgrims seek each other out to share a table, look for pleasant conversation, and to continue their inner search through others' experiences.

Shopping (2016)Spanish Federation of Associations of Friends of the St. James Way

The small stores in the small towns are a place to stock up on food. Small grocery stores where fresh fruit, vegetables, and daily bread can be found to create this magical moment of the day: dinner.

Autumn in La Rioja (2017)Spanish Federation of Associations of Friends of the St. James Way

Bread and wine, and the latter's role in the dinner. Wine is for sharing a meal, as part of the companionship, as part of the culture. Without excess, without being a priority, and without being one of the main elements, just so the wine helps the bread in the communion between the pilgrims.

On Route (2014)Spanish Federation of Associations of Friends of the St. James Way

Early breakfast, each at their own pace. During each stage, every walker eats their lunch along the path alone or in a small group. Dinner is eaten together to share their experiences, to learn more and better things about each other and to expand the pilgrim's soul.

Recipe (2021)Spanish Federation of Associations of Friends of the St. James Way

An easy recipe: pasta, tomato sauce, grated cheese, oil, salt, onion, pepper, water, and oregano. Preparation: chop the vegetables and lightly fry, season, and set aside. Cook the pasta al dente. Serve the pasta with the sauce on top and sprinkle over the cheese and oregano.

Credits: Story

Federación Española de Asociaciones de Amigos del Camino de Santiago
www.caminosantiago.org
Pilar de Luis Domínguez

www.viaplata.org
Manuel Oliva Vicedo -  Lourdes Ballester Tovar

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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