What is the European Federation of the Camino de Santiago?
The European Federation of the Camino de Santiago is an international organisation that brings together the associations of friends of the Camino de Santiago from all over Europe. The main aim of the European Federation of the Camino de Santiago is to coordinate and support the work of the associations, promoting pilgrimage to Compostela and guaranteeing the care of the Jacobean routes. It is made up of federations and associations from countries such as: Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Portugal and the United Kingdom.
The Federation acts as a link between European administrations and international bodies, and works to ensure that the Camino de Santiago is recognised as European cultural heritage.
History of the European Federation of the Camino de Santiago
The Federation of the Camino de Santiago was founded in 1987, at a time when the Camino was experiencing its revival. The associations of friends of the Camino, which emerged in different countries in the 1960s and 1970s, needed to coordinate in order to defend the interests of the route and of pilgrims.
Since it was founded, the Federation has worked to recover various forgotten routes, signpost paths, promote Jacobean hospitality and spread the spirit of the Camino.
Functions of the European Federation of the Camino de Santiago
The functions of the European Federation of the Camino de Santiago are diverse and range from promoting the route to coordinating the national associations:
- Promoting pilgrimage to Santiago: Spreading awareness of the Camino and encouraging people to walk it.
- Coordinating the national associations: It acts as a link between the federations and associations of the different countries.
- Defending Jacobean heritage: Protecting the routes, the monuments and the values of the Camino.
- Fostering hospitality: Helping with the work of the hostels and volunteer hospitaleros.
- Organising meetings and congresses: They help organise meetings between Jacobean associations.
- Representing the Camino before European institutions: It defends the interests of the route before the European Union and other international bodies.
- Publishing informative material: They produce guides, leaflets and publications about the Camino de Santiago.
Who is part of the European Federation of the Camino de Santiago?
The European Federation of the Camino de Santiago is made up of national federations and associations from different European countries. Each country has one or several associations, and these are integrated into the European Federation. Among the countries represented are Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Portugal and the United Kingdom.
In addition, the Federation maintains relations with other Jacobean bodies, such as the Pilgrim’s Office of Santiago, the Spanish Federation of Associations of Friends of the Camino de Santiago and the public authorities that manage the routes.
How can you contact the European Federation of the Camino de Santiago?
To contact the European Federation of the Camino de Santiago, the easiest way is to go to its official website, where you will find all the information about its activities, members and contact channels. You can also get in touch through the national associations.
If you want to plan the Camino de Santiago and need help, you can contact the association in your country, which will help you get in touch with the Federation if necessary.
Frequently asked questions about the European Federation of the Camino de Santiago
How many associations are part of the Federation?
The European Federation of the Camino de Santiago brings together dozens of associations and national federations from all over Europe. The exact number varies depending on the countries and memberships, but it currently represents more than 100,000 members across the continent.
Can I join the Federation directly?
No. The European Federation does not accept individual members: it is made up of national associations and federations. To become a member, you must do so through the association in your country or region, which in turn is part of the Federation.
How can I collaborate with the Federation?
You can collaborate with the European Federation by joining the association in your country, taking part in its activities, volunteering as a hospitalero or spreading awareness of the Camino in your own circles. You can also contact the Federation to offer your help with specific projects.
