SHAME ON THE ROAD! The Stupidity of 'Gorda and Carlos' Destroys the Last 100 km of the Camino Frances
The Camino de Santiago, the ancient pilgrimage route, has been the victim of an attack by monumental incivility which has angered thousands of pilgrims. The final section of the French route, the busiest, has been systematically desecrated with absurd and indelible graffiti: the names «Gorda and Carlos», scrawled with permanent marker on practically all the milestones that guide walkers towards Santiago de Compostela.
What has happened along the last 100 kilometers of the Camino is not an "anecdote", it is a vandalism which reveals a worrying lack of respect for the collective heritage and the sacred experience of pilgrimage.
The Cry of Outrage: “Lack of Respect and Education”
Social networks have become the loudspeaker of collective frustration. Pilgrims from around the world have documented the disaster, flooding forums with photographs of the stained cairns. The comments are unanimous and reflect the indignation at such a selfish act:
"A real shame. They have no respect or education. It seems that the Camino is theirs."
"Don't do this. Write it on your heart, not with a permanent marker. The Way existed before you. I respect!”
«Massification brings this. People only look for the Compostela and not the spirit. “The Camino is Heritage, not a notice board.”
Carlos de Puertollano and 'Gorda': Vandalism with a Signature
The controversy has taken a more concrete turn with the identification of those allegedly responsible. According to various online sources, the 'guinea fowl duo' would be composed of a pilgrim originally from Puertollano (Carlos) and his dog (Gorda).
Regardless of whether 'Gorda' is a pet or a couple, authorship is the least important thing. The serious thing is the possession mentality which leads one to believe that it is acceptable to leave a destructive personal mark on a symbol of transit and community that belongs to humanity.
The Camino is not your Diary, it is a Symbol
This sad episode reopens the deepest wound of the Camino de Santiago: the irresponsible massification, especially in the Sarria-Santiago section.
Many of those who travel the minimum distance do so without understanding that the route is an asset that must be guarded, not a list of tasks that must be checked off. The Camino does not need your signature; He needs your humility and your respect. The mark that must be left is invisible, in the memory and in the spirit, not a permanent scribble that will force associations to spend time and resources restoring what the irresponsibility destroyed.
The true "Good Way" begins with I respect. And 'Gorda and Carlos' have just shown that they have a lot to learn about both of them.
