The Holy Year — known in Galicia as Xacobeo — is one of the most meaningful and symbolic moments on the Camino de Santiago. It marks a period of celebration, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal for pilgrims from around the world. Below is a clear, updated explanation of what a Holy Year is, why it matters, and what makes it such a special time to walk the Camino.

What Is a Holy Year (Xacobeo)?

A Holy Year occurs when the Feast Day of Saint James, celebrated every 25 July, falls on a Sunday. When this alignment happens, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela declares a Jubilee Year, opening a period of special spiritual privileges for pilgrims.

Holy Years follow a repeating cycle of 6, 5, 6, and 11 years. Recent and upcoming Holy Years include:

• 1982
• 1993
• 1999
• 2004
• 2010
• 2021
• 2027
• 2032
• 2038

This rhythm makes Xacobeo relatively rare — and deeply anticipated.

Feast Day of Saint James

Saint James is the patron saint of Spain and the apostle whose remains, according to tradition, rest in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. His feast day, 25 July, is celebrated across Spain, but nowhere more vibrantly than in Santiago as he is the very reason why the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela began.

The Catholic Church assigns a special date to every canonized saint to celebrate their life’s work. In the case of Saint James, the holiday falls on the 25th of July and is celebrated nationwide.

The Feast Day in Santiago de Compostela is recognized with a full-blown liturgical feast. The Cathedral throws an impressive laser and firework show that most often tells the story of the Cathedral, Saint James, the Way and highlights main events of that given year. Following this show, is a week-long festival with street parties, arts and craft displays, kid’s events, cultural shows and much, much more!

The Holy Door (Porta Santa)

Xacobeo is a very special time to be in Santiago de Compostela as the Holy Door, or the Porta Santa, is opened to members of the public. Since the 12th Century, pilgrims who visit the Cathedral on the Holy Year are granted a plenary indulgence. In order to earn your plenary indulgence once you arrive to the Cathedral, one must do the following:

• visit the Tomb of the Apostle in the Cathedral
• receive the sacrament of Confession *within 15 days, at any location
• receive Communion

Although the Holy Door normally opens only during Xacobeo, the Pope may declare extraordinary jubilees. For example:

• In 2016, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door during the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, even though it was not a Holy Year.
• In 2021, due to global circumstances, the Holy Year was extended by papal decree to 2022 — a reminder that the Vatican can take exceptional measures when needed.

These examples show that while the Holy Year follows a predictable cycle, the Church can adapt tradition in extraordinary times.

What a Holy Year Means for the Camino

A Surge of Pilgrims

Holy Years traditionally bring a significant increase in pilgrims walking the Camino. Many people choose these years specifically for their spiritual meaning, the opening of the Holy Door, and the festive atmosphere in Santiago.

This influx can affect:

• Trail density
• Accommodation availability
• Booking timelines
• The overall energy on the Camino

For many, the vibrant mix of cultures and motivations is part of the magic of Xacobeo.

Planning Ahead

Because Holy Years attract more pilgrims, it’s wise to:

• Book accommodations early
• Choose quieter routes if you prefer solitude
• Consider shoulder seasons (spring or autumn)
• Explore alternative paths such as the Camino Portugués, Camino del Norte, or Camino Primitivo

Experiencing Xacobeo With Andaspain

Walking into Santiago during a Holy Year — especially on or near 25 July — is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience. The atmosphere is electric, the celebrations are rich, and the spiritual significance is profound.

Whether you prefer:

• A guided tour during the Feast Day
• A self‑guided Camino during quieter weeks
• A private group experience
• Or a less crowded route

…our team is here to help you plan the Camino that fits your style.

Buen Camino — Whether During Xacobeo or Any Year

Holy Years bring a special energy to the Camino, but every year offers its own beauty, rhythm, and meaning. Whether you walk during Xacobeo or in a quieter season, the Way of Saint James remains one of the world’s most powerful journeys.