Embark on a Camino de Santiago adventure with CaminoWays.com this summer and enjoy one of the region’s vibrant festivals along the way.
Towns and villages across Spain and Portugal celebrate local festivities from June to September so it’s the perfect time to visit. Enjoy a truly unique experience as you take in the stunning scenery and colourful mix of pagan and religious traditions.
São João Festival in Porto
Porto comes to life on the night of 23rd June when thousands of locals and visitors celebrate Midsummer across the city streets. São João, with its bonfires, fireworks and street concerts, is appropriately known as one of Europe’s liveliest festivals. One popular tradition involves jumping over bonfires to scare away evil spirits. Eat barbecued sardines and drink wine as you soak up the sounds, smells and sights of the night.
Arde Lucus Festival in Lugo
The beautiful city of Lugo completely transforms itself on 19th June and revives its Roman history and heritage for three days. The Arde Lucus festival sees locals dressing up as Roman soldiers, gladiators and emperors within the city’s impressive Roman walls. Journey back in time as you witness gladiator fights, magic shows, statue building demonstrations, Roman weddings and slave sales.
San Fermín Festival in Pamplona
Probably the most famous Camino festival, San Fermín and the running of the bulls in Pamplona is definitely an event to be experienced at least once in life. The festivities kick off on 7th July and last for a whole week. You have plenty of time to absorb the lively ‘fiesta’ atmosphere that Ernest Hemingway so eloquently described in his famous novel ‘The Sun Also Rises’.
Festival of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela
Many pilgrims aim to reach Santiago de Compostela on 25th July, just in time for Saint James’ Day and the consequent celebrations that take place. From free concerts to firework shows, there is plenty to keep you entertained after your rewarding trek. Get a real insight into Galician culture with the wide range of traditional music and dance performances that take place in the city’s old town and main squares.
Nosa Señora da Barca Festival in Muxía
Visitors flock to the quaint fishing village of Muxia in early September for the Nosa Señora da Barca festival. This traditional festival gives pilgrims the opportunity to understand the region’s most intriguing customs and myths. Walk nine times under the ‘Pedra dos Cadrís’, a stone said to have curative powers, and join in the general merriment.
For more information about the Camino de Santiago and to book your trip, contact the CaminoWays.com travel specialists.
When and Price:
Accommodation during some festivals can be limited so CaminoWays.com advises to book well in advance. Hotel rates might vary for those dates.
Price from €560 per person sharing for 6 nights from Sarria to Santiago. Find out more here.
Special: 5% off when booking 2 months in advance.
Standard packages include: Accommodation on half-board basis, luggage transfer from hotel to hotel, holiday pack with route notes and practical information.
