Santiago de Compostela, October 20, 2025. – The Way of St. James, known worldwide as the Camino de Santiago, has reached a historic milestone by welcoming its 500,000th pilgrim in a single year for the first time ever.
This symbolic figure was achieved over the weekend and officially celebrated on Monday with the arrival of Jairo Forero, a pilgrim from Bogotá, Colombia, who was received at the Pilgrim’s Office by Alfonso Rueda, President of Galicia, and Archbishop Francisco José Prieto.
According to official data, as of October 20, a total of 500,392 pilgrims have received their Compostela certificate, representing a 6 % increase compared to the same period last year. In 2024, the route fell just short of the half-million mark, missing it by only a few hundred.
More than 56 % of pilgrims come from abroad, representing over 180 countries. The United States remains the leading country of origin for the third consecutive year, followed by Italy, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Mexico, France, and Canada.
With this new record, The Way of St. James confirms its position as one of the world’s most meaningful spiritual and cultural journeys — a route that unites travelers from all over the world in search of reflection, adventure, and connection.
