Viana do Castelo celebrates St. James’ Day
Viana do Castelo will mark St. James’ Day, on July 25, with several free activities for audiences of all ages, focusing on the Portuguese Coastal Route and the city’s pilgrim tradition. The program is organized by Viana do Castelo City Council, the Associação dos Amigos do Caminho de Santiago de Viana do Castelo (Viana do Castelo Association of Friends of the Camino de Santiago) and the Albergue São João da Cruz dos Caminhos.
From 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the program will start at the garden next to Eiffel Bridge, with the peddy-paper “Credencial em Família: Rota dos Carimbos” (“Family Credential: Stamp Trail”), a family activity in the form of a treasure hunt. Using a dedicated passport, participants will have to find different points along the historic Camino route and collect stamps. Participation is limited to five groups, with a maximum of 30 people, and registration opens on July 15 and can be completed by e-mail.
A guided visit to the Centro Interpretativo do Caminho Português da Costa (Portuguese Coastal Route Interpretive Center) will take place between 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. The session will be dedicated to the history of the Camino in Viana do Castelo and the Jacobean itineraries, with the aim of promoting knowledge of the Camino’s presence in the city, its legends and its related heritage.
The “Chá do Peregrino” (“Pilgrim Tea”), from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., will feature an informal conversation between experienced and first-time pilgrims. The guest will be Franklim Amaral, a writer, filmmaker and personal development mentor, who will present his book and documentary “Caminhamos Juntos” (“We Walk Together”). The session aims to create a space for sharing stories, motivations, advice and reflections.
The celebrations will close at 6:00 p.m., at the Church of Carmo, with the Pilgrim Mass, followed by the traditional Blessing. The activities held on this St. James’ Day underline Viana do Castelo’s role on the Portuguese Coastal Route and highlight the city’s relationship with Jacobean culture and heritage.
