The shortest race in the world… and one of the most fun in Galicia
If someone tells you that Paris-Dakar passes every year Santiago de Compostela, you will probably think that the continent has been confused. But not. The funny thing is that, in a way, he is right.
Of course, here there are no dunes, motorcycles or trucks crossing the African desert. In the Galician capital, the Paris-Dakar is a peculiar popular tradition that mixes humor, friendship and a lot of Compostela retranca.
The story has its origin in two historic establishments in the old town of Santiago: the missing Cafe Paris, located next to the Porta Faxeira, and the well-known Bar Dakar, located on the emblematic Rúa do Franco.
Between both places there are barely a few 160 meters away.
And precisely that small route gave rise to one of the most surreal and beloved competitions in the city.
A race where the important thing is not speed
Unlike the authentic Dakar Rally, in the Compostela version whoever arrives first does not win.
For years, groups of friends visited the bars located between Paris and Dakar, sealing a kind of "gastronomic credential" based on camaraderie and good humor.
According to those who participated in those first editions, some teams had to complete tests, visit a certain number of taverns and even meet certain rules to be declared winners.
There were no endless stages or GPS navigation. It was enough to follow Rúa do Franco… and keep the festive spirit intact.
From the Camino de Santiago to the Paris-Dakar of Compostela
Santiago de Compostela is used to receiving pilgrims from all over the world. However, this tradition shows that the city also knows how to laugh at itself.
While thousands of people travel hundreds of kilometers to reach the Plaza del Obradoiro, others bravely face the enormous challenge of covering the 160 meters that separated Paris from Dakar.
Maybe it won't grant the Compostela.
But, without a doubt, it leaves anecdotes to last a lifetime.
A tradition that is part of the Compostela soul
Beyond humor, this curious "competition" represents the essence of many popular Galician festivals: the importance of the encounter, friendship and the ability to turn any idea into an unforgettable celebration.
In a city marked by Camino de Santiago, where stories of improvement are part of everyday life, the Paris-Dakar of Compostela reminds us that there is also room for irony and traditions born in the heat of a conversation between friends.
Because not all roads lead to Santiago.
Some start in Paris… and end in Dakar.
And the best thing is that everything happens in just a few minutes.
The most accessible Dakar on the planet
You don't need a car prepared for the desert or years of training.
You just want to have a good time and understand that Galicia has a special talent for creating unique traditions.
This may not be the toughest Dakar in the world.
But he is probably the nicest.
And who knows... maybe one day it will officially become the shortest sporting event in Europe.
Until then, Santiago will continue to celebrate each year this peculiar tribute to friendship, humor and that wonderful Galician ability to transform any story into an urban legend.
