Now I’ve a name that opens doors in travel but I’m happy to share, so whether you’re a James or not you’re quids in on the Camino.
With my old amigos CaminoWays who are offering a 10% discount on all new bookings made before July 31.
All to mark the feast of Saint James and Galicia’s National Day on July 25.
Of course, the Camino draws Jameses, Jamesinas, Jacques, Iacomos and Santiagos, and all variations in between to St James’ Way.
Santiago de Compostella is, of course, the final destination for all pilgrims, or peregrinos, Jameses or not.
With the Catedral the final resting place for Jesus’s disciple, James the Greater.
Fun and James
For those for whom Sunday School and school are a distant memory you may have forgotten that there was a James the Lesser.
Though for those of us you share that mantle then all roads lead to Rome and his grave in the Basilica dei Santi Apostoli.
Life as a lesser James, in my case as a James Junior has in truth been a blessing because of the father who inspired me.
A devout Roman Catholic I believe he was still looking over me on my own Camino from Sarria to Santiago.
Like many of us of my generation, and those before us, the convention was to pass a father’s Christian name on to the son.
And so this James felt a special connection with Jimmy G, all other Jameses before me and my nephew James.
As I dedicated my Camino in their memory.
Galicia belongs to me
Now everyone has their own reasons for doing a Camino, spiritual, social or athletic.
And I have yet to meet anyone who regrets it.
Companies such as CaminWays specialise in the great pilgrimage and its sister trek to Rome, the Via Francigena.
Both of which I’ve been guided on by forces human and spiritual.
Now any time is a good time to reach Santiago.
But for those who can stand the heat at this time of the year, and water and Estrella lager does help, then the eve of St James’s Day is a special time to arrive in the old city.
At midnight, locals and visitors alike gather at the Praza do Obradoiro to enjoy the traditional fireworks and display projected on the facade of Santiago Cathedral.
Swing low Botafumeiro
While on the big day Santiago Cathedral hosts its High Mass, usually attended by the king or one of the royals.
Although the real stars of the show are the red-robed priests who swing the incense holders, the Botafumeiro.
Now the fun and James comes to a close with the sky lighting up with fireworks on July 31.
Now to activate your discount then STJAMES24 is your key to open the door to savings.
So James or not you’re quids in on the Camino.