In the wake of COVID and ongoing political and economic challenges, along with a cultural shift unfolding among many contemporary pilgrims, some of the donativo-based, traditionally-oriented albergues and other pilgrim-hosting spaces on the Caminos del Norte and Primitivo are banding together for support and promotion. The new organization is called Acogida Tradicional Jacobea (ATJ), or Traditional Jacobean Hospitality.
The following comes from this morning’s email announcement:
“Sadly, we are now witnessing the Camino becoming a tourist route, removed from its original spiritual purpose. Given the tendency for commercialisation, the lack of understanding in some administrations, and tourists under the guise of pilgrims using our spaces that may should go to other establishments, we have joined forces to defend the traditional jacobean hospitality and promote a culture of responsible voluntary contribution (a term that appeals directly to the ethics of the pilgrim and replaces the misunderstood “donation”), allowing these spaces to be kept open in a sustainable way.
“Traditional hospitality is the ultimate expression of Jacobean culture, the support for pilgrimages from the 9th century to the present day. Given its extraordinary preservation and the values it promotes, it has been recognised by the Spain’s Historical Heritage Council as a Representative Example of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Spain (pending official publication), an essential preliminary step for its recognition by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
“Our association brings together spaces that provide non-profit care to pilgrims, some of which you probably know under other names (donation-based hostel, open house, albergue, etc.). The initiative started on the Camino del Norte and the Camino Primitivo, but it is open to all other Caminos.
“We call ourselves “spaces” because our facilities are diverse, but we are united by some common characteristics: our commitment to pilgrimage, our desire to support pilgrims for spiritual reasons and human solidarity, our warm welcome and, above all, features that differentiate us entirely from other initiatives linked to the Camino: welcoming pilgrims in exchange for the aforementioned responsible voluntary contribution used to cover expenses and keep the spaces open, our exclusive orientation toward pilgrims (not tourists) and our openness without discrimination to those making the pilgrimage to Santiago who lack economic resources.”
In an accompanying statement, the ATJ offers additional context for pilgrims on what to expect in these traditional accommodations:
“The ATJ is a unique expression of Jacobean Culture. It consists of the non-profit welcoming of pilgrims into private spaces like open houses, etc…. by hosts who have a commitment and spiritual link with the Camino de Santiago, usually as a result of their own experiences as pilgrims. Some of these spaces are in small villages and/or environments of ecological interest.
“ATJ is characterised by human warmth. Focusing exclusively on pilgrims and relying on their voluntary and responsible contributions makes it possible for these spaces to remain open and offer basic services: a place to spend the night (usually in shared rooms), a shower and, often, a communal dinner and breakfast. The responsible voluntary contribution based on the conscience, ethics and solidarity of pilgrims is essential for the survival of this type of warm welcome, so threatened by the commercialisation of the Camino de Santiago.
“Volunteering is allowed in some of the ATJ spaces. Many are rural homes where all kinds of help are needed. If you feel the transformative energy of the Camino de Santiago, they will be a good fit for you on your journey, as a pilgrim or as a volunteer.”
The ongoing risk to such traditional spaces has become a growing concern in recent years. For more perspective on this, check out Camino Podcast episodes I’ve produced with Laurie Dennett, whose history with the Camino dates back to Elías Valiña Sampedro, and Giulia Sottanis, the host at Albergue Izarra in Caborredondo.
In the Camino del Norte and Camino Primitivo accommodation spreadsheets, I’ll be adding a more visible “ATJ” label before the names of each associated albergue, to make these more prominent. It’s important for the future of the Camino that we continue to support these spaces that preserve a critical aspect of its traditional past.
