What is an Association of Friends of the Camino de Santiago?
An Association of Friends of the Camino de Santiago is a non-profit organisation made up of volunteers who share the goal of protecting and promoting the Camino de Santiago. These associations are spread throughout Spain and other countries, and their main function is the maintenance of the Jacobean routes and the care of pilgrims.
The members, the vast majority, have done the Camino and want to contribute their grain of sand to the route. But it is not necessary to have made a pilgrimage to join: anyone can be part of it.
History of the Associations of Friends of the Camino de Santiago
The first Associations of Friends of the Camino de Santiago emerged in the mid-20th century, when the Camino was abandoned. In France, in 1950, the first association was founded in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, with the aim of recovering the route and helping the pilgrims who travelled it.
In Spain, the first association was created in 1962 in Estella (Navarre). In 1987, the Spanish Federation of Associations of Friends of the Camino de Santiago was founded, which brings together all the local associations and coordinates their work. The resurgence of the Camino de Santiago was linked to the work of these Associations.
What does an Association of Friends of the Camino de Santiago do?
The functions of an Association of Friends of the Camino de Santiago are diverse and range from the physical maintenance of the routes to direct care for the pilgrim. Main functions:
- Signposting and maintenance of the routes: The associations place yellow arrows, milestones and information panels, and are responsible for their conservation.
- Hostel management: Many associations manage pilgrim hostels.
- Information and help for pilgrims: They provide practical information before and during the pilgrimage.
- Issuance of credentials.
- Recovery of forgotten routes: They work to recover and signpost paths that have fallen into oblivion.
- Organisation of activities.
- Publication of guides and informational material.
How to contact an Association of Friends of the Camino de Santiago?
To contact an Association of Friends of the Camino, the Spanish Federation of Associations of Friends of the Camino de Santiago has a directory on its official website, where you can see all the federated associations, organised by autonomous communities and provinces. Each association has its own headquarters, telephone and contact email.
In addition, many associations have official websites or a presence on social media where they publish updated information about their activities.
How to become a member of an Association of Friends of the Camino de Santiago?
To become a member of an Association of Friends of the Camino de Santiago, it is not necessary to have made a pilgrimage or to meet any special requirement: it is enough to share the Jacobean spirit and want to contribute to the association’s work.
The process is as follows: contact the association in your province and locality, fill in a registration form and pay an annual fee, which is usually modest. In return, members receive information, take part in the association’s activities and get discounts at hostels and services on the Camino. The fees go towards the maintenance of the routes and the association’s projects.
Frequently asked questions about the Associations of Friends of the Camino de Santiago
How many associations are there in Spain?
There are currently more than 60 federated associations in Spain, distributed across all the autonomous communities. In addition, there are non-federated associations and associations in other countries, especially in France, Germany, Belgium and the United Kingdom.
Can I become a member if I am not a pilgrim?
Yes. It is not necessary to have done the Camino to be a member. Anyone interested in the Camino de Santiago and in the association’s work can join and contribute to its maintenance.
What is the difference between the Federation and local associations?
The Spanish Federation of Associations of Friends of the Camino de Santiago is the entity that brings together and coordinates all the local associations. The local associations work at a provincial or regional level, while the Federation represents the whole before the administrations and coordinates common projects.
