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Yellow arrows, lots of jacobean experiences and even a tather particular Iron Cross. Vancouver became the epicenter of the Camino de Santiago between May the 15th and May the 18th due to the American Pilgrim Gathering organised by the Canadian Company of Pilgrims and American Pilgrims on the Camino.
Following the title Bridges of the Camino: Connecting Cultures and Heart, the British Columbia University hosted the first gathering celebrated by both associations together, the most numerous ones of the American continent.
In this gathering, they decided to build bridges and explore the cultural networks that tie the USA and Canada through the Camino de Santiago, sharing their pilgrim experiences and highlighting the role that solidarity and support play in an experience such as the Camino.
Both associations have long history and a wide social mass. The Canadian Company of Pilgrims counts on more than thirty years of history and more than three thousand Camino lovers as members. The Canadian association is centered in fomenting the union between the different groups forming it, advising the first-timers on the Camino and accompanying those who year after year repeat the experience.
On the other side, American Pilgrims, founded more than twenty years ago by a group of friends centered in the Camino de Santiago, also is in charge of giving advise and information to thousands of people all along the different states of the USA who choose to pilgrim to Santiago.
Union of pilgrims from all over the world around the Camino
Pilgrims from Canada, USA, Spain, France, United Kingdom, Australia and Norway shared during four days theis impressions, experiences and wishes regarding the Jacobean Route thanks to this gathering.
Among the more than thirty speakers, Alfredo Martínez, Spain's Ambassador to Canada, opened the meeting. Likewise, the event counted on the presence of acknowledged Camino experts such as George Greenia, one of the founders of American Pilgrims, the American journalist Rebekah Scott or the Canadian writer Laurie Dennett.
The lectures were not the sole protagonists of the Gathering. Moments of relaxation such as the sealing of the Credencial with the stamps from the different associations taking part in the event were combined with a program of cultural activities, among which were included theatrical performances from producer Dennis Garnhum and Broadway actress Celeste Mancinelli and a special screening of the movie The Way-My Way, from filmmaker Bill Bennett, who was there.
Correos services for the Pilgrim
Correos was also present in the Vancouver International Gathering, by makin available to the participants our services focused on the Camino de Santiago.
Pilgirms could discover useful services for their routes such as Paq Mochila, daily rucksack transfer service from accommodation to accommodation.
Or the package sending service specialized in the Camino de Santiago, the Paq Peregrino. Thanks to its online booking, the pilgrim can send from any accommodation of the Camino a suitcase or a package to the Santiago de Compostela Correos Main Office, and it will be stored up to thirty days.
If you also want to know more about the Correos services for the pilgrims, click here.
Scallop ceremony and pilgrimage to the Iron Cross
The jacobean spirit also overflew among the participants, who lived very emotional moments such as their Credencial being stamped with the badges of the different associations or the scallop ceremony, in which the scallop shell is given to the pilgrims who are walking the Camino for the first time,
In Vancouver, it even took place a ery special pilgrimage: a walk to a very particular Iron Cross (Cruz de Ferro), in which participating pilgrims could deliver their wishes and challenges for the future.
Four days that proved that the Camino de Santiago does not understand about borders and is more alive than ever.
Until next year! Buen Camino!
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