The Xunta Promotes the Winter Way with an Exhibition

The Way of Saint James is one of Galicia's main tourist attractions, drawing countless visitors year-round. The Xunta has now started promoting the Winter Way with the exhibition "Caminamos para parar" ("We Walk to Stop").

What is the Winter Way?

To reach Santiago de Compostela, there are different Jacobean routes — paths leaving from many parts of Europe and leading to the cathedral where the remains of Saint James lie.

The Winter Way is a route to Santiago that, during medieval times, was used in the harshest part of the year so pilgrims could arrive even in very cold seasons like winter — hence the name.

While winter is the ideal season for it — it avoids the heavy snow on other routes — it can be walked at any time of the year, including summer.

The Winter Way is a forgotten path

Although the route offers great advantages, today it's one of the least travelled. It's estimated that only 500–700 pilgrims walk it each year.

That's why several promotional efforts are being made to invite tourists to discover Galicia via this fascinating route.

The Xunta has unveiled an exhibition to promote the route

The Xunta of Galicia took this on as a task, presenting "Caminamos para parar. El camino de Invierno" with renowned artists such as Miguelanxo Prado and Rita Sabler.

The aim is to make this route known, starting in Ponferrada, through the illustrations and perspective of these two recognised artists.

How was the presentation done?

To design the show, the two artists walked the Winter Way themselves. Leaving in September, it took them nine days to complete the route.

From O Barco de Valdeorras to Santiago, they portrayed the landscapes and standout elements that caught their attention — buildings, churches and landscapes.

The project also includes postcards, photographs and videos that will be shown at the Pilgrimage Museum of Santiago de Compostela, so tourists can get close to the artists' experience.

Visitors will get a black-and-white postcard as a souvenir to send as a gift to someone special.

The importance of the Camino in tourism

The Camino is one of the most important tourism points in Galicia. Many tourists head there for piety, physical activity or to be close to the apostle's resting place.

New alternatives are being explored to bring the Camino to the world, and highlighting the less travelled paths is an excellent strategy.

The Winter Way is one of the routes with great relevance to the history of pilgrimage to Santiago. The exhibition raises great expectations.