On November 7 and 8, 2026, the Camino de Invierno will commemorate its ten years of official recognition with days distributed between A Rúa, Monforte de Lemos, O Saviñao, Sober and Lalín. There will be conferences, cultural visits, gastronomy and a tribute to Aida Menéndez, one of the great promoters of this Jacobean route.
The Galician Federation of Associations of Friends of the Camiño de Santiago (FEGAC), together with groups linked to the itinerary, organizes the “Xornadas Camiño de Inverno – X Anos”. The event aims to remember the recognition achieved in 2016 and discuss the pending challenges for a route that unites heritage, landscapes and pilgrim welcome.
Five municipalities for a traveling celebration
The program will take place at the Avenida de A Rúa Cultural Center, the Royal College of Our Lady of Antigua in Monforte de Lemos, the Diomondi pilgrim hostel in O Saviñao, the headquarters of the Deza Business Association in Lalín and the Áurea Palacio de Sober hotel.
The conference will combine presentations on history and research, associations, promotion of the Ribeira Sacra and future perspectives of the Winter Trail. They will also include guided visits to the Pilgrim Assistance Point of A Rúa, the historical school of Monforte and the Pazo de Arxeriz Ecomuseum.
FEGAC announces a bus service to transport participants between the venues. As the programming is distributed among different locations, it is recommended to consult the official announcement and registration information before moving.
Aida Menéndez, protagonist of the tribute
The organization will posthumously recognize Aida Menendez Lorenzo, first president of the Camiños a Santiago association by Ribeira Sacra, who died in 2022. She will receive the FEGAC honorary member diploma for her contribution to the recovery, study and dissemination of the Winter Way.
His memory highlights a reality that does not always appear in pilgrim statistics: behind a route there are people who investigate old routes, defend their conservation, help signpost and work so that walkers find information and hospitality.
Entities such as Camiños a Santiago pola Ribeira Sacra, Amigos do Camiño por Valdeorras, Peregrinus Dezae and the Association of Municipalities of the Winter Way will participate in the meeting. The presence of representatives from Turismo de Galicia, the Xacobeo Plan and the federation itself has also been announced.
Credential, wine and heritage of the route
The commemoration will feature a 10th anniversary special credential, promoted by FEGAC and the Jacobean associations. It has been available since September through shelters and groups linked to the route, and a delivery with a commemorative seal is planned during the days in Lalín.
In Diomondi, a wine from the Ribeira Sacra designation of origin called “Camino de Invierno” will be presented and tasted. The program also includes a Lalín stew tasting. These proposals link the route with the culture and products of the territories it passes through.
RTV Camino de Santiago has already published information about the Winter Trail credential and wine. In addition, on Friday, November 6, the inauguration of the exhibition "Facianas do Camiño de Inverno" by the artist Carlos Ferreiro is announced in Chantada, as a cultural activity related to the anniversary.
From Ponferrada to Santiago: ten years of recognition
The milestone that is now remembered occurred in April 2016, when the Parliament of Galicia approved the Cultural Heritage Law of Galicia, which officially recognized the Winter Way and the Portuguese Coastal Way. It was the response to years of demands and documentation work.
According to Turismo de Galicia, the Winter Way starts from Ponferrada, separates from the French Way and runs through 239.2 kilometers to Santiago following the Sil, Valdeorras, Ribeira Sacra and Deza corridor. It crosses the four Galician provinces and official tourist information classifies it as a route of medium-high difficulty.
Its name is associated with the hypothesis that it could have served as an alternative to passing through O Cebreiro during the harshest winters. Today it also attracts for its river landscapes, vineyards, historical heritage and the possibility of walking away from the largest concentrations of pilgrims.
To participate in the events you can consult the complete FEGAC program and his registration form. Those preparing the pilgrimage will find information on stages and routes in the official website of the Camino de Santiago in Galicia.
Ten years after legal recognition, the anniversary puts the spotlight on those who have worked and continue to work to keep the Winter Trail alive.
Cover image: editorial recreation generated for RTV Camino de Santiago; It is not a photograph of the events.
Sources: The Voice of Galicia, FEGAC, Galician Tourism y Camino de Santiago in Galicia.
