Spain: On the Way of St. James

The pilgrimage on the Way of Saint James of Compostela  attracted 180,000 people last year. After Compostela Holy Year 2010, which saw a record 272,000 pilgrims, the number in 2011 remained higher than in 2009, when there were 146,000 “Jacquets” (ancient name for pilgrims on the Way of St. James).  The count of registered pilgrims consists of those who have traveled at least a few hundred kilometers on one of the many registered pilgrimage routes in Europe. Most travel on foot, but 491 of them have traveled on horseback and 32 via wheelchair. According to statistics, men account for 58% of the pilgrims. Those who are under 30 years of age account for 28%, with 57% being those between the ages of 30 and 60 years. (Sources: Apic / kap - DICI No. 250 of 02/17/12)