In the 21st century the Pigrim’s Way has been certified as a Great European Cultural Itinerary and was awarded the Prince of Asturias Prize for Promoting Understanding. These awards have helped to increase the number of pilgrims every year on the Camino de Santiago; more than 250,000 people now cross the peninsula on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. This figure is even higher in Ańos Jacobeos (Holy Years), when the Day of St James (25th July) falls on a Sunday. The next Holy Year will come in 2021.
Some people undertake the journey in the modern times still with a deep sense of religion and penitence, others as a life experience, others are looking for answers, others for cultural reasons, others see it as a kind of sporting activity. Despite the differences between the pilgrims, they always have something in common: the need to leave daily life behind and give themselves time and space to reflect on things.