Embodied Contestation: Alternative Ritual Conclusions on the Camino de Santiago

Pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, seeking to affirm their identity as 'authentic' pilgrims, have developed alternative ritual conclusions that diverge from the traditional Christian penitent ritual. This shift reflects a growing dissatisfaction with the experiences at the shrine in Santiago de Compostela, which often feel incongruous with the rest of their journey. Field research and interviews reveal that many pilgrims now opt for an alternative conclusion site in Finisterre, a Galician coastal town, as it better aligns with their perceived authentic Camino experience. The study underscores how contemporary pilgrimage practices are evolving to accommodate changing expectations and identities.

Van Holm, C. (2016). Embodied Contestation: Alternative Ritual Conclusions on the Camino de Santiago. Georgia State University. https://doi.org/10.57709/8508471