Associations of the Camino de Santiago

By studying historic and modern maps of the regions and history books, visiting libraries, and exploring the areas they are researching on foot, they locate the paths the pilgrims traveled in the past as well as the places where they stayed.

When a route is localized and involves crossing a town, they request permission from the local authority to signpost the way across the town, following a path approved by the local authority.

The signs through the countryside must provide maximum safety for the pilgrim following the Camino and avoid getting them lost. The signs must show the way and be visible. Nowadays, they must comply with the manual published by the Consejo Jacobeo (Council of Saint James).

Once the itinerary of the Camino has been identified and its route has been signposted, they produce a Guide to the Camino which contains everything a pilgrim might need to set off along it.

The associations' most important tasks, which they inherited from the old confraternities of pilgrims, are welcoming the pilgrims, providing information, and issuing credentials. The associations are a meeting place for new and veteran walkers.

The new pilgrims can attend talks on the adventure they are about to begin and learn the basic premises to delve into this fascinating world. The associations organize initiation talks for the new pilgrims.

The most anxious walkers seek to immerse themselves in the history of the St. James Way, its symbols of identity, and its underlying spirit and philosophy. The associations give them the opportunity to satisfy their curiosity and widen their knowledge.

They organize meetings to discuss historical topics relating to the St. James Way, such as the national and international pilgrimage routes, inviting prominent figures on the subject of Saint James.

The associations organize photography exhibitions and competitions to promote the Camino. They try to present images that inspire people to walk it or remind others of their experiences on the pilgrimage.

In order to achieve their goals, the organizations need to interact with the political, military, and religious authorities. They each have their own interests in sharing the Camino.

Signposting the Camino is necessary so the pilgrims don't get lost. It provides security and points the way. The associations are responsible for this and routinely travel the Camino to review the signs.

Every year, the associations arrange a calendar of trips along the Camino. They mainly try to cover the stages of the Camino that are closest to them, maintaining the spirit of Saint James and the partnership between the associations.