Holy Year 2027 on the Camino de Santiago: what changes
The 2027 Compostela Holy Year (Xacobeo 2027) made simple: why it happens, key dates, the Holy Door and how to plan a Camino with more pilgrims than ever.
What the Holy Year is
Santiago celebrates a Holy Year whenever 25 July, the Feast of Saint James, falls on a Sunday. It does in 2027, and next in 2032.
The last one was the double Holy Year 2021-2022. The 2027 motto, presented by the Archdiocese in September 2026, is “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy”.
Key dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 31 Dec 2026, evening | The Holy Door opens: the Holy Year begins |
| 21–28 Mar 2027 | Holy Week |
| July 2027 | European Youth Pilgrimage in Santiago |
| Sunday 25 Jul 2027 | Feast of Saint James, the busiest day of the year |
| 31 Dec 2027 | The Holy Year ends |
The Holy Door
It faces Praza da Quintana and only opens in a Holy Year. The archbishop opens it on the evening of 31 December before, as in 2020, and it stays open all year.
How it affects your Camino
- More people: in 2022, the last Holy Year, over 438,600 Compostelas were issued, a record at the time. 2024 reached 499,239, and in 2025 the 500,000th came on 20 October.
- The last 100 km, above all from Sarria and Tui, fill up first. May, June and September are the most wanted months.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is 2027 a Holy Year?
Because 25 July 2027 is a Sunday. That is the tradition of the Church of Santiago.
How do you gain the Jubilee?
Visit the cathedral and the Apostle’s tomb, pray the Creed, the Our Father and for the Pope’s intentions, and go to confession and communion within 15 days before or after.
Do I need the Jubilee for the Compostela?
No. The Compostela certifies the pilgrimage; the Jubilee is separate and can be gained arriving by any means.
How early should I book?
As soon as you know your dates, especially for May, June, September and the week of 25 July.
When does the 2027 Holy Year start and end?
It runs through all of 2027: it begins when the Holy Door opens on New Year’s Eve 2026 and closes at the end of December 2027. You can gain the Jubilee at any point in that time, not just in summer.
Will the Camino be more crowded in 2027?
Yes: every Holy Year breaks records, and 2027 follows years of growth. Expect more people on the last 100 km and in Santiago. For a quieter walk, go in March, April or October, or pick a less busy route such as the Inglés or the Primitivo. Read more
Sources
- caminodesantiago.gal (Xunta de Galicia): The Compostela Holy Year
- Catedral de Santiago: lema del Año Santo Compostelano 2027 (25-09-2026)
- Oficina del Peregrino: The Plenary Indulgence
- Oficina del Peregrino: estadísticas
- Catedral de Santiago: Compostela 500.000 de 2025 (20-10-2025)
- Xunta de Galicia: cifras del doble Año Santo 2021-2022 (16-02-2023)
- Vatican News: apertura de la Puerta Santa, 31-12-2020
- Conferencia Episcopal Española: Roma 25 – Santiago 27 – Jerusalén 33
Xacobea is an independent guide, not linked to the Xunta de Galicia or the Xacobeo brand.
