What is the Xacobeo or Jacobean Year?

What is a Jacobean or Xacobeo Year?

In 2021 we will have an unmissable date with the Camino de Santiago, not only because of the beauty of its landscapes, the charm of its villages and the magnificent experience, both personal and spiritual, that we gain when undertaking any route of the Camino de Santiago. 

In 2021 it is “Xacobeo Holy Year” or, in other words, “Compostela Jubilee Holy Year” or “Jacobean Holy Year”.

But what is a “Compostela Jubilee Holy Year”?

It is called a “Compostela Jubilee Holy Year” or “Jacobean Holy Year”, in Galician “Ano Santo Xacobeo”, when July 25 (Feast of the Apostle James) falls on a Sunday.

This occurs with a regular cadence of 6-5-6-11 years, except when the last year of the century is not a leap year, when gaps of 7 or 12 years may occur. It is celebrated 14 times each century.

A bit of history

The “Compostela Jubilee Holy Year” was established by Pope Calixtus II. When the construction of the Cathedral of Santiago was completed, Calixtus II granted the privilege of regularly celebrating the “Jacobean Holy Year” whenever the feast of July 25 fell on a Sunday.

This privilege granted by Calixtus II was confirmed and expanded by other later pontiffs, until reaching Alexander III, who declared it permanent.

What does this celebration mean?

The celebration of the “Jacobean Holy Year” grants all the faithful, through the mediation of the Catholic Church, the plenary indulgence of the sins committed. 

To obtain it, certain conditions must be met:

1. Visit the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

2. Say a prayer (Creed or the Our Father) and pray for the intentions of the Pope. It is also recommended to attend Holy Mass.

3. Receive the sacraments of penance and communion, 15 days before or after visiting the cathedral.

It is customary to enter the cathedral through the Holy Door, which is opened for this celebration.

In 2021 it will be a year filled with pilgrims seeking an unparalleled experience, personally, emotionally, and spiritually.

It is a great opportunity to experience it; otherwise, they will have to wait until 2027 to once again feel these emotions that go beyond the human.

More Information and Reservations for the Camino de Santiago