ZAGREB, 7 Aug (Hina) - A group of Croatian pilgrims walked 225 kilometres to reach the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela in late July, marking 800 years since Croats first began taking part in the pilgrimage known as the Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St James.
The Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago) is composed of a network of historical routes leading to the shrine of the apostle St. James the Greater in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, capital of Galicia. This network of pilgrims' ways has become a popular journey for people of diverse backgrounds seeking spiritual or personal enrichment.
The arrival of the group of Croatian Catholic pilgrims in northern Spain was organised two weeks ago by the Confraternity of St. James – Croatia, a nonprofit association whose goal is to promote the rich cultural, historical and spiritual heritage of El Camino de Santiago. This association was founded in 2015 with the aim of promoting walking pilgrimages from Croatia.
St James was one of Jesus’ apostles, and according to tradition, his remains were transported by boat from Jerusalem to Santiago de Compostela. Since the 9th century, Christians from various parts of Europe have made pilgrimages to this site, and the routes became known as the Way of St James.
Croats have been undertaking this religious journey since 1203, which today represents a personal challenge, an adventure, and a time for reflection for many, according to the Croatian Brotherhood of St James. The Confraternity of St. James – Croatia was founded following the example of the brotherhoods that used to support pilgrims on their way through Croatia in the past.
Among the hundred Croatian pilgrims who arrived in Santiago de Compostela two weeks ago were Biljana and Ivica Miložić. A few years ago, they walked more than 3,300 kilometres on foot from Osijek to Galicia, and during the presentation they spoke about their experience.
There is no set distance for the pilgrimage and each person walks as far as they are able or have time for. There are several routes leading to Santiago de Compostela, lined with both religious and secular landmarks. The pilgrimage ends at the cathedral in the Galician city.
On the feast of St James, 25 July, the Croatian pilgrims attended Mass at the cathedral, dressed in the ceremonial robes of the confraternity and traditional folk costumes from various regions of Croatia.
The Way of St James is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
