The origins of the Camino de Santiago, or The Way of St. James

The Camino de Santiago has its origins in pre-Christian times when people of the Celtic/Iberian tribes made their way from the interior to the Atlantic coast of Galicia, a route that followed the Milky Way Finisterre which was believed to be the end of the world. The official history of the Camino de Santiago is centred upon Saint James, one of the Twelve Apostles, and dates back to the 9th century when, according to the legend, the first pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela took place. St. James is believed to be buried in the Cathedral. Today, people walk the Camino Way for a variety of reasons, not simply religious, as portrayed in the 2010 film, The Way, starring Michael Sheen. The presentation will include a brief account of my experience of walking the Camino Portuguese and will end with video footage of why my friend and fellow speaker, Peter Atkinson, removed all of his clothes at the end of his Camino by bike, and burned them!