Everything you need to know about the Holy Year of St. James
Since the Middle Ages, whenever July 25th falls on a Sunday, the city of Santiago de Compostela celebrates another Holy Year. This happens approximately 14 times per century, following a 6-5-6-11 year cycle.
Compostela 2027: A Millennial Tradition Reopens
In 2027, as in 1428 and 1999, thousands of pilgrims will once again pass through this gate to reach the tomb of the Apostle Saint James, accessible year-round, but imbued with special significance during a Jubilee. It is an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of pilgrims of old and experience a tradition that connects past and present.
Historical Reminder :
- 1122 : Pope Callixtus II grants Compostela its first official Jubilee, establishing the Holy Year.
- 1428 : The first historically documented Holy Year of St. James in the Middle Ages. The Holy Door is opened for the first time according to the ritual we know today.
- 1965 : A modern revival of the tradition after a period of diminished visibility. The Holy Year regained its prominence among pilgrims.
- 1993 : A Holy Year marked by a large influx of international pilgrims; Compostela became a major spiritual and cultural center.
- 1999, 2004, 2010 : Three successive Jubilees that strengthened the pilgrimage's global reputation.
- 2021 : The Holy Year was exceptionally extended into 2022 by Pope Francis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2027 : The next Holy Year: the Holy Door opened on July 24, and the Jubilee lasted until December 31.
What this history teaches us : the Holy Years have punctuated the spiritual life of the city of Santiago for nearly 900 years. They are linked to a papal and liturgical tradition, but also to a cultural and heritage dimension. Each jubilee attracts huge crowds, reinforcing Compostela's role as a major spiritual and historical crossroads of Europe.
The Ceremony
During a Holy Year of Compostela, the "Puerta Santa" or "Puerta del Perdón," located on one side of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, is opened. Between jubilees, it remains walled up and is only accessible during subsequent Holy Years (with a few exceptions).
The opening ritual : This is a symbolic ceremony dating back to the 15th century. The Archbishop of Compostela strikes the wall sealing the door three times with a silver hammer, while saying aloud: "Open to me the gates of righteousness" (in Latin: "Aperite mihi portas iustitiae"). This biblical phrase, taken from Psalm 117, marks the official beginning of the Holy Year of Compostela. These few words are enough to remind pilgrims that grace is available to them. The stones are then removed, revealing the sacred entrance. This gesture has remained unchanged for centuries and marks the official opening of the Jubilee. Once the door is open, the archbishop incenses the threshold of the sanctuary and blesses the faithful present. He prays that "those who pass through this door may obtain mercy, indulgence, and peace." The ceremony continues with biblical hymns, prayers of intercession, incensing, and blessings, creating an atmosphere of solemnity but also joy. The hymn O Dei Verbum (Hymn to Saint James) and Marian antiphons are often sung, recalling that the pilgrimage is also placed under the protection of the Virgin Mary.
Spiritual meaning : The three knocks symbolize the hardship of the journey and the pilgrim's effort, but also their perseverance in faith necessary to overcome obstacles. The biblical passage quoted above also expresses entry into a path of justice and reconciliation, linked to the forgiveness of sins granted during the Jubilee Year. The opening of the door symbolizes the sacred passage, reserved only for pilgrims who cross this threshold to access the cathedral and the tomb of the Apostle James. It represents the separation between ordinary life and the path of conversion. Crossing it is a true act of faith.
Plenary indulgences : During the Holy Year, pilgrims who pass through the Holy Door can obtain a plenary indulgence, provided they go to confession, receive Holy Communion, and pray for the Pope's intentions. This privilege is specific to Holy Years. Outside of these years, visiting the tomb remains an act of devotion, but without a Jubilee indulgence.
Calendar of Key Events
- July 24, 2027 : Solemn opening of the Holy Door.
- July 25, 2027 : Feast of Saint James, Pontifical Mass and major celebrations.
- July–December 2027 : Pilgrimages, cultural and spiritual activities throughout Galicia.
- December 31, 2027 : Closing of the Holy Door and conclusion of the Jubilee until the next one, scheduled for 2032.
Access to the Tomb Outside of Jubilee Years
The tomb of the Apostle Saint James is located in the cathedral's crypt, beneath the high altar. It is accessible year-round, regardless of whether it is a Jubilee Year. Outside of Holy Years, access to the tomb is through the cathedral's regular doors, not the Holy Door.
Pilgrims may descend into the crypt to pray before the silver urn containing the relics. Before descending to the crypt, tradition dictates that behind the altar, they kiss and embrace the statue of Saint James as a sign of respect and gratitude, thanking the Apostle for the protection received during their journey and asking for his blessing for the rest of their lives.
In summary :
- The tomb of Saint James is always accessible, even outside of Jubilee years.
- The Holy Door is only open during Holy Years, such as in 2027.
- The Holy Year is a unique opportunity to experience pilgrimage with an exceptional spiritual and cultural dimension.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Holy Year
Advantages :
- Plenary Indulgence : Pilgrims who pass through the Holy Door and fulfill the spiritual requirements (confession, communion, prayer for the Pope) receive a plenary indulgence, a privilege reserved for Holy Years.
- Historical and Symbolic Dimension : Participating in a Holy Year means walking in a tradition nearly 900 years old, connecting today's pilgrims to those of the Middle Ages.
- Festive and Universal Atmosphere : The city of Santiago de Compostela organizes numerous cultural events, concerts, exhibitions, and religious celebrations. The atmosphere is vibrant and cosmopolitan, with pilgrims from all over the world.
- Encounters and Community : The large crowds create a strong dynamic of sharing and fraternity among pilgrims, reinforcing the feeling of belonging to a great collective adventure.
The disadvantages :
- Massive crowds : During this period, the pilgrimage routes and the city of Santiago de Compostela generally experience record numbers of visitors. This can hinder the search for solitude or contemplation and also lengthen the queues to access the tomb or obtain the Compostela certificate.
- Pressure on accommodation : Hostels and hotels are often fully booked, especially in summer. It is therefore necessary to book well in advance or accept more basic conditions.
- Higher cost : High demand can lead to an increase in the prices of accommodation and services.
- Less intimate experience : For those seeking a more contemplative pilgrimage, the festive atmosphere and the crowds can feel overwhelming and generate stress or even frustration that spoils the arrival in Santiago.
- Logistical constraints : The ceremonies attract huge crowds, which can complicate traffic and access to the cathedral.
Some practical advice
To fully enjoy your pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela during a Holy Year :
1- Choose the best time :
- Avoid July and August : these are the busiest months, with long queues in Santiago de Compostela.
- Opt for September or October : pleasant weather, more available accommodations, and a calmer atmosphere.
- November or December : a more intimate atmosphere, fewer crowds, but colder weather.
2- Plan your accommodation in advance :
- Book early : hostels and hotels fill up quickly, especially on the major stages of the Camino Francés.
- Explore alternatives : guesthouses, rural cottages, campsites, or solidarity-based accommodations.
- Stay outside the main stages : choose neighboring villages to avoid overcrowding. Don't start your journey on a weekend; choose a weekday instead.
3- Adapt your itinerary :
- Take alternative routes : Camino del Norte (along the Cantabrian coast, wilder), Camino Primitivo (the oldest, more demanding but less frequented), Camino Portugués (from Porto or Lisbon, often quieter)... Consult the page on this website dedicated to alternative routes to Santiago de Compostela or visit my YouTube channel "Compostelle autrement" (Compostela Differently) which presents alternative routes through less frequented detours and mountains.
- Adjust your stages : leave very early in the morning or walk longer at the end of the day to avoid peak hours. This means booking your accommodations in advance.
4- Don't be discouraged by the crowds :
- Visit the crypt early in the morning or late in the day to reduce waiting times.
- Attend weekday Masses rather than Sunday Masses, which are less crowded.
- To see the crowds as part of the experience, a sign of the pilgrimage's vitality.
- To remain true to the spirit of the Camino : simplicity, fraternity, openness.
In short: making your pilgrimage during a Holy Year of St. James offers a unique spiritual and cultural experience, but also involves exceptional crowds and practical constraints. You will need to prepare well: book early, accept the crowds, and see this hustle and bustle as an opportunity.
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Buen camino !!! Lionel de Compostelle
