The Asturian capital will revive the historic pilgrimage of Alfonso II the Chaste with four days of recreation, music, theater and activities for all audiences
Oviedo will travel back more than a thousand years to remember the moment that forever changed the history of the Camino de Santiago. Of the July 9 to 12, the capital of the Principality will celebrate the sixth edition of "The First Pilgrim", a great historical and cultural event that will commemorate the pilgrimage made by the king Alfonso II the Chaste, considered the first pilgrim in history and the promoter of the current Primitive Path.
For four days, the streets of the historic center of Oviedo will be transformed into an authentic medieval setting, where residents and visitors will be able to discover how the first Jacobean route was born almost twelve centuries ago.
The origin of a universal story
The celebration remembers one of the most important events in the history of Europe.
At the beginning of the 9th century, Bishop Teodomiro informed King Alfonso II of the discovery of the supposed tomb of the Apostle Santiago in Compostela.
The monarch decided to leave from Oviedo to personally verify the discovery.
That trip, made around the year 834, gave rise to the first documented pilgrimage to Santiago and made Oviedo the starting point of what we know today as Primitive Path, considered the oldest Jacobean route.
As the centuries passed, this route would end up becoming one of the great cultural, spiritual and historical itineraries in the world.
Four days to relive the Middle Ages
The programming of The First Pilgrim will offer free activities for all ages.
The public will be able to enjoy historical reenactments, traditional music, street theater, theatrical visits, period markets, shows, children's entertainment, craft workshops and exhibitions that will allow them to learn what life was like during the reign of Alfonso II.
The squares, streets and monuments of the old town will once again be filled with medieval characters, soldiers, artisans, musicians and pilgrims, creating a unique atmosphere for residents and tourists.
Oviedo claims its role in the Camino
One of the main objectives of the event is to remember that the history of the Camino de Santiago began in Oviedo.
Although the French Way is currently the best-known route, it was the trip made by Alfonso II from the Asturian capital to Compostela that began the Jacobean tradition.
For this reason, Oviedo continues to claim its status as the origin of the Camino and as a city deeply linked to pilgrimage for more than a thousand years.
The well-known phrase:
"Whoever goes to Santiago and not to the Savior, visits the servant and leaves the Lord"
continues to remember the historical importance of the Cathedral of San Salvador de Oviedo within the Jacobean phenomenon.
An experience for the whole family
The organization has prepared a program designed to attract history lovers as well as families, pilgrims and visitors.
The activities will combine historical dissemination with entertainment, allowing you to discover in an entertaining way the birth of the Camino de Santiago.
Attendees will be able to tour historical settings, learn about ancient trades, attend theatrical performances and enjoy musical performances inspired by medieval times.
The Primitive Way continues to grow
The Camino Primitivo is currently experiencing one of its best moments.
Every year the number of pilgrims who choose this route increases due to its spectacular natural beauty, its authenticity and its enormous historical value.
Many consider that traveling this itinerary means walking along the same paths that Alfonso II used almost twelve centuries ago.
Events like The First Pilgrim They also help to spread the cultural heritage of Asturias internationally and reinforce the identity of Oviedo as the starting point of the first Jacobean pilgrimage.
Much more than a party
Beyond the show, the celebration aims to bring the public closer to the historical importance of the Camino de Santiago and the decisive role that the ancient Kingdom of Asturias played in its birth.
For a few days, Oviedo will not only remember its past.
You will live it again.
And thousands of people will have the opportunity to walk the same streets where one of the greatest spiritual, cultural and human adventures in Europe began.
For lovers of the Camino de Santiago, it will be a unique opportunity to travel to the origin of a story that, more than a thousand years later, continues to unite pilgrims from all over the world.
