When does the 2027 Holy Year begin and end?

The Holy Year opens with the opening of the Holy Door on 31 December 2026 and closes on 31 December 2027. The central day is 25 July 2027.

Why is 2027 a Holy Year?

Because 25 July 2027, the feast of Saint James, falls on a Sunday. That is the condition that marks a Compostelan Holy Year or Xacobeo.

Do I need to do anything special for the jubilee?

As well as walking to the Apostle's tomb (the usual Compostela requirements), the Church sets the jubilee conditions (visiting the cathedral, sacraments, prayer). Check the Archdiocese's official website for details.

Will there be more pilgrims and higher prices?

Yes: Holy Years draw far more people. Book accommodation ahead, especially in Sarria, the last 100 km and the big cities, and avoid the peak of July–August if you want quiet.

Compostelan Holy Year

Xacobeo 2027, the next Holy Year

In 2027 the Camino de Santiago celebrates a Compostelan Holy Year (Xacobeo): 25 July, the Apostle's feast day, falls on a Sunday. The cathedral's Holy Door opens and a notable rise in pilgrims is expected. Here is what it means, the key dates and how to plan your Camino to experience it.

Key dates of the 2027 Holy Year

31 December 2026
Opening of the Holy Door of Santiago cathedral, which only opens in a Holy Year.
25 July 2027
Feast of Saint James the Apostle, the central day of the Holy Year (it is a Xacobeo because it falls on a Sunday).
31 December 2027
Closing of the Holy Door: the Holy Year ends until the next Xacobeo.

What is a Holy Year and why 2027?

A Compostelan Holy Year or Xacobeo is one in which 25 July, the feast of Saint James, falls on a Sunday. It follows a cycle of 6, 5, 6 and 11 years. The previous one was 2021 (extended to 2022 because of the pandemic) and the next one after 2027 will be 2032.

During the Holy Year the cathedral's Holy Door is opened, and the Church grants the jubilee to pilgrims who meet the traditional conditions. It is, historically, the year with the most pilgrims.

To enjoy it calmly, plan ahead: in a Holy Year, accommodation on the most popular stages fills up sooner and prices rise. The earlier you book and settle your route, the better.

Which route should I walk for the 2027 Holy Year?

Any of the pilgrim routes gets you to Santiago in time for the Holy Year. If it is your first time, the French Way is the most complete; if you have only a few days, the English Way or the last 100 km.

Camino Francés Camino Portugués Camino del Norte Camino Primitivo Camino Inglés Vía de la Plata

Compare the six routes →

Frequently asked questions about the 2027 Holy Year

When does the 2027 Holy Year begin and end?: The Holy Year opens with the opening of the Holy Door on 31 December 2026 and closes on 31 December 2027. The central day is 25 July 2027.
Why is 2027 a Holy Year?: Because 25 July 2027, the feast of Saint James, falls on a Sunday. That is the condition that marks a Compostelan Holy Year or Xacobeo.
Do I need to do anything special for the jubilee?: As well as walking to the Apostle's tomb (the usual Compostela requirements), the Church sets the jubilee conditions (visiting the cathedral, sacraments, prayer). Check the Archdiocese's official website for details.
Will there be more pilgrims and higher prices?: Yes: Holy Years draw far more people. Book accommodation ahead, especially in Sarria, the last 100 km and the big cities, and avoid the peak of July–August if you want quiet.

Holy Year dates according to the Jacobean jubilee calendar. For the jubilee conditions and official events, see the Archdiocese of Santiago (archicompostela.es) and the Pilgrim's Office (oficinadelperegrino.com).