The Heat Slows Down the Burgos Road After a “Spectacular” Start of the Season
Burgos. The hostels in the province of Burgos have experienced a spectacular April and May, with an influx of pilgrims that has left the beds practically occupied. However, the arrival of the summer heat is already beginning to moderate the pace, with greater availability being noted in the accommodations of the Camino de Santiago.
«In May and June there have been quite a few people and many koreans. You are also beginning to see some of China, which other years there were none," he explains Omar, from the Meeting Point hostel in Hornillos del Camino. This rise in Asian pilgrims, especially Koreans, is attributed to the influence of reality television shows and influencers who have popularized the Camino in their countries. "After the pandemic they have become the most common," says Omar.
A Change of Profile with Summer
The Heat Slows Down the Burgos Camino After a "Spectacular" Start of the Season: With the increase in temperatures, the profile of the pilgrim begins to vary. "Now younger people are starting to come and take vacations and take advantage of it," says Omar. On the other hand, the general influx usually drops because "older people are a little afraid of walking in the heat, and the agencies don't advertise it either because of the weather." Although the hostels are not as full as in spring, there is still a constant trickle of walkers.
It is curious how the presence of Spanish pilgrims have been scarce in the first three months, representing just 5% of the total, a figure that is expected to increase with national holidays. For Omar, the peak season has been extended, now encompassing “a little bit of April, May and a little bit of June,” before the big rush in September and October. From the municipal hostel of HornillosInma corroborates this decrease with the arrival of heat: "It's like every year, the heat comes and goes down, we already know."
The Plateau, a Challenge Under the Sun
For pilgrims like Román and Montserrat, who arrive from Barcelona and carry out the French Way in sections, the experience under the sun of the Meseta is remarkable. «There is not a shadow here for miles and miles. There is also a lack of a source,” they commented on the journey between Santo Domingo de la Calzada and Hontanas. They acknowledge having encountered few Spaniards on their journey, highlighting the majority presence of foreigners.
Despite the summer decline, the initial balance of the season is positive for the province of Burgos. The constant flow of pilgrims continues to be a vital engine for the towns of the Camino, generating economic activity and employment in their local businesses. A clear example was seen at the Meeting Point in Hornillos, with Koreans and Germans enjoying the pool, or in Rabé de las Calzadas, where a Taiwanese family opened the kitchen service at Hostal La Fuente, showing the diversity and vitality of the Camino.
