The English Way gains visibility in Argentina

The Honorary President of the Association of Concellos do Camiño Inglés and senator for the province of A Coruña, Manuel Mirás Franqueira, carried out an intensive programme of promotional activities for the English Way in several cities in Argentina, including Córdoba and Buenos Aires. The aim was to raise international awareness of this historic Jacobean route and to strengthen cultural and institutional ties around the Camino de Santiago.

One of the main events took place on 22 January at the Betanzos Centre in Buenos Aires, on a day marked by a high level of public attendance, confirming the growing interest in the English Way. The presentation also included the participation of the Association of Friends of the Camino de Santiago of Buenos Aires and Uruguay, the latter joining by videoconference, highlighting the international dimension of the event.

During his address, Manuel Mirás traced the history of the English Way, supported by documentation and visual material, stressing that it is, in all likelihood, the oldest pilgrimage route to the tomb of the Apostle Saint James. He recalled that during the Middle Ages, pilgrims from Great Britain, Ireland, the Baltic countries, Finland, Iceland, parts of Germany and the Netherlands preferred to undertake a sea voyage lasting several weeks rather than a land journey of more than a year, arriving mainly at the ports of A Coruña and Ferrol before continuing on foot to Compostela.

The Honorary President of the Association also explained how, after being sidelined for many years in favour of other Jacobean routes, the English Way was revived thanks to the joint efforts of several local councils through which it historically runs. As a result of this work, the Association of Concellos do Camiño Inglés was established, with the aim of restoring this route to the place it deserves within the Jacobean phenomenon, which today has a clearly international dimension.

In his presentation, he emphasised the need to diversify the routes and expressly encouraged pilgrims to begin the Camino from Ferrol or from A Coruña, as an alternative to the shorter and more crowded itinerary from Sarria. He highlighted that the English Way offers an intense experience, requiring fewer days, yet rich in landscape, heritage and historical content.

The promotional activity of the English Way also extends internationally, particularly in England and Ireland, through ongoing work with civil authorities, cultural and educational institutions, and with a clear commitment to promoting the Camino as a space for encounter, overcoming differences and a path towards peace. This vision was shared during the presentations held in Argentina, where educational, cultural and editorial initiatives linked to the promotion of this Jacobean route were also presented.

As part of his visit to the city of Córdoba, Manuel Mirás also held institutional meetings with the highest authorities of the province, at their request, during which possible avenues for cultural and tourism cooperation linked to the Camino de Santiago, and in particular to the English Way, were discussed.

The Association of Concellos do Camiño Inglés thus continues its work of promoting this route internationally. A route that forms an essential part of Jacobean history and aspires to consolidate itself as a high-quality alternative, with certified services and a strong identity, for pilgrims from all over the world who wish to reach Santiago by following a historic route rich in symbolism.