The Jacobean tradition that turns Santiago de Compostela into one of the great pilgrimage centers in the world
He Compostela Holy Year, also known as Jacobean Jubilee Year, is one of the most important religious and cultural events in Europe. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world organize their trips to coincide with this special celebration, but there is a question that is constantly repeated among those who prepare the Camino de Santiago: How many years is the Holy Year really celebrated?
The answer is simple on the surface, although behind it there is a curious combination of calendar, tradition and mathematics.
What is a Compostela Holy Year?
A Compostela Holy Year is celebrated when the July 25, festival of Santiago Apostle, falls on Sunday.
When this happens, the Church grants special spiritual graces to pilgrims who visit the Cathedral of Santiago, cross the Holy Door, they confess, participate in the Eucharist and pray for the Pope's intentions.
This tradition was officially instituted by Pope Calixtus II in the 12th century and later confirmed by various pontiffs, turning Santiago de Compostela into one of the great pilgrimage destinations of Christianity along with Rome and Jerusalem.
Every how many years does it happen?
The Holy Year does not have a fixed periodicity.
Due to how leap years and normal years are distributed in the calendar, the Compostela Holy Years follow a very characteristic sequence:
6 years – 5 years – 6 years – 11 years
This pattern repeats itself cyclically for centuries.
For example:
- 1993
- 1999 (+6)
- 2004 (+5)
- 2010 (+6)
- 2021 (+11)
- 2027 (+6)
- 2032 (+5)
- 2038 (+6)
- 2049 (+11)
Therefore, although many people believe that the Holy Year is celebrated every seven years, the reality is quite different.
Why was there such a long Holy Year between 2021 and 2022?
The Compostela Holy Year of 2021 was absolutely exceptional.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the difficulties of pilgrimage from many countries, Pope Francis authorized the extension of the Jubilee throughout 2022.
It was the first time in recent history that a Compostela Holy Year was celebrated for two consecutive years.
This decision allowed millions of people to obtain jubilee graces once the health restrictions were overcome.
When will the next Compostela Holy Year be?
After the extraordinary Jubilee of 2021-2022, the next Holy Year will be celebrated in:
Compostela Holy Year 2027
Forecasts point to a massive influx of pilgrims from Europe, America and Asia, especially since it will be the first full Holy Year after the definitive recovery of international pilgrimage flows.
Many hostels, hotels, Jacobean associations and public administrations are already working on special preparations for this important event.
What is the Holy Door?
One of the best-known symbols of the Holy Year is the Holy Door of the Cathedral of Santiago.
This door, located in the Plaza de la Quintana, remains closed during ordinary years and is only opened when a Jubilee Year begins.
The opening ceremony, presided over by the Archbishop of Santiago, officially marks the beginning of the Jubilee and constitutes one of the most exciting moments for pilgrims.
Thousands of people pass through the Holy Door every Holy Year as part of their spiritual and Jacobean experience.
Much more than a religious celebration
Although its roots are deeply religious, the Compostela Holy Year also has enormous cultural, historical and tourist importance.
During these special years, exhibitions, concerts, conferences, cultural activities and events related to the heritage of the Camino de Santiago are organized.
The Jacobean routes are experiencing a notable increase in pilgrims and cities like Santiago de Compostela are experiencing some of the most intense moments in their recent history.
Therefore, for many walkers, completing the Camino during a Holy Year constitutes a unique and unrepeatable experience.
And although the next Jubilee will not arrive until 2027, the magic of the Camino continues to await every day those who decide to put their backpack on their shoulders and begin the adventure.
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