One of the most emotional moments of the forum will be the tribute to researcher Francisco Singul, recognized for his academic career and his unwavering advocacy of the cultural, spiritual, and historical value of the Camino. An official signing of a collaboration agreement with a university is also scheduled, highlighting the growing academic interest in the study and appreciation of the Camino de Santiago in Portugal.
The program also includes first-hand testimonies from pilgrims, who will share their experiences and motivations, as well as musical performances that will add a cultural and emotional dimension to the event. The day is designed not only as a space for reflection and learning but also as an opportunity for networking and the exchange of best practices among the various stakeholders involved in the Jacobean experience.
On May 23, the Pilgrim Forum will move to the municipality of Vila Pouca de Aguiar, where a certified training session will be held, specially designed for technicians, institutional leaders, volunteers, and professionals connected to the Camino de Santiago. This year, the training will focus on four strategic topics: Jacobean art and iconography, accessibility on the Camino, adapting the tourism offer to the real needs of pilgrims, and the importance of maintaining and signposting the route.
This training initiative aims to improve the quality of the pilgrim experience, ensuring that the Camino in Portugal is not only beautiful and safe, but also inclusive, environmentally respectful, and aligned with the cultural and spiritual values that sustain it.
The Pilgrim Forum has become an essential platform for strengthening cooperation among the various Portuguese regions crossed by the Camino routes, as well as for enhancing Portugal’s integration into the international context of the Camino de Santiago. The active participation of different institutions and groups reaffirms the vision of a living, dynamic Camino—one that evolves continuously, where tradition is combined with innovation to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
The conference on May 22 will be broadcast live via streaming on the official website of the Portuguese Federation of the Camino de Santiago. Full agenda and registration details are available on the official website: https://fpcsantiago.pt/eventos/
Live stream (May 22): https://streaming.fpcsantiago.pt
With this event, Portugal reaffirms its commitment to revitalizing the Camino de Santiago and its active role in strengthening an international network of territories united by history, faith, art, and the spirit of pilgrimage.
