It's steeped in history and tradition, from the Celts (Galicia is one of the Seven Celtic Nations), to the Romans (Tower of Hercules in A Coruña), to the Discovery of tomb of St. James (Santiago) in 813, leading to construction of the Cathedral in Santiago, early 1100's. This lead to the rise of Santiago de Compostela's role as the most important pilgrimmage destination in the Christian world during the Middle Ages and much more.
July 25 is the Day of St. James, the Fiesta de Apóstol Santiago, the patron saint of Spain. People come from around the world to take part in the Festivities of Santiago de Compostela. When July 25th falls on a Sunday, it's a holy year called the Xacobeo, with special festivities.
I blogged about the Xacobeo festivties in 2010, the last time the 25th of July fell on a Sunday. I received a grant to study in an Embassy program and I blogged with our Spanish class mascot, Timoteo here: Santiago de Compostela blog, 2010
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Links related to Santiago de Compostela, the Camino, and Galicia
Different Camino routes - We're hiking the Camino Inglés, the English route
Camino inglés - town and historical guide for each stage of the route
Mundicamino - about hiking the Camino
La Voz de Galicia - Digital guide to various Camino routes, in Spanish
Gallego Assoc of Friends of the Camino - site is in Gallego or Spanish
Spanish Federation of the Camino - in Spanish
Camino on FB, in Spanish
Hints about Camino inglés, spring 2014, in Spanish
Himno Galego - Hymn of Galicia
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