The Challenging Future of Pilgrimage after the Pandemic: New Trends in Pilgrimage to Compostela

Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela has undergone significant transformations post-pandemic, marked by heightened isolationism among pilgrims and the rise of individualistic trends. The COVID-19 pandemic not only tested the resilience of this ancient tradition but also presented an opportunity to redefine its essence. While historical pandemics along the Way of Saint James often led to improvements in healthcare, the current shifts suggest a deeper medicalization of pilgrimage experiences. Additionally, restrictions on religious practices and changing attitudes among local residents towards pilgrims are reshaping the social fabric of the Camino. This study identifies emerging trends that challenge traditional forms of asceticism and pilgrimage, raising questions about its future trajectory.

Roszak, P., & Huzarek, T. (2022). The Challenging Future of Pilgrimage after the Pandemic: New Trends in Pilgrimage to Compostela. Religions, 13(6), 523. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13060523