The Camino de Santiago during Samhain: Pilgrimage on All Saints’ Day
Did you know that doing the Camino de Santiago during Samhain can be one of the most magical experiences of the year? This time, which coincides with All Saints’ Day and Halloween, is full of symbolism, ancestral traditions, and an atmosphere that turns each stage into a more introspective and mystical journey.
The Camino during Samhain: spirituality in the mistCelebrated since Celtic times, Samhain marked the end of summer and the beginning of winter. It was considered a moment of transition, when the veil between the world of the living and the dead became thinner. Today, many pilgrims take advantage of the All Saints’ long weekend to do a short route, enjoy the autumn landscape, and connect with the history and silence of the Camino.
1. What route to do at this time?For a 4 to 7-day getaway, these routes are perfect:
- French Way from Sarria: the most popular option to obtain the Compostela in less than a week.
- Portuguese Way from Tui: with forests wrapped in mist and charming villages.
- English Way from Ferrol: shorter, quieter, and strongly linked to maritime legends and medieval pilgrims.
During Samhain, some points of the Camino take on a special aura:
- Santo Domingo de la Calzada: with its legend of the miraculous rooster and hen.
- Ribadiso da Baixo (French Way): an ancient pilgrims’ hospital, full of history.
- Monte do Gozo: the last hill before seeing the cathedral towers, ideal for meditating at dawn.
- Centuries-old cemeteries in O Cebreiro or Melide, where All Saints’ rituals still survive.
- Dress in layers: the weather changes quickly and there may be fog or rain.
- Bring a headlamp or flashlight: days are shorter and some stages have little lighting.
- Book in advance: it is a high season due to the November 1st long weekend.
- Enjoy the atmosphere: many villages celebrate magostos and traditional activities with chestnuts and queimada.
At caminodesantiagoreservas.com we help you plan your Camino during the All Saints’ long weekend. We organise the full route, with selected accommodation, luggage transfer, and assistance. In addition, we can suggest adapted stages to enjoy the Camino in this magical season.
Walk among golden forests, listen to legends by the warmth of the hearth, and feel the Camino like never before.