Walking Towards Connection: Reflections on the 2nd Edition of the Camino SWY
From July 29th to August 5th, 2026, a group of 30 participants from 11 different countries—Egypt, Turkey, Peru, Germany, Japan, Chile, Canada, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Hungary, and Spain—came together for an unforgettable journey: the 2nd Edition of the Camino de Santiago. We walked the final 114 kilometres of the French Way, navigating the path from Sarria to Portomarín, Palas de Rei, Arzúa O Pedrouzo, and finally culminating in our arrival at Santiago de Compostela
A Little Context: Why the French Way?
The French Way (or Camino Francés) is essentially the “classic” Camino. Since the Middle Ages, pilgrims from all over Europe have travelled this specific path to reach the shrine of St. James in Santiago de Compostela. It’s been the main artery for culture and trade for centuries, blending languages and traditions from every corner of the continent. Walking it today feels like stepping into a living museum. You are literally following the footsteps of millions of people who came before you, each carrying their own hopes, struggles, and reasons for being on the road.
Why We Did It
At SWYAA Spain, we wanted to create something that matched the spirit of the “Ship for World Youth” program. We wanted to get out of our comfort zones, experience local Galician culture, and have the kind of honest, international conversations that you just can’t have in a boardroom. We focused on simple things: sharing meals, walking together, and building friendships that we hope will last for years to come.
On September 3rd, we reached the Plaza del Obradoiro and picked up our Compostela certificate. It was a great feeling of accomplishment, but the highlight was just the camaraderie we built along the way.
Why Ending at the “End of the World”
The experience extended beyond the main pilgrimage. On September 5th, thanks to the support of the Diputación de A Coruña, participants had the opportunity to take part in the “De Faro a Faro” (From Lighthouse to Lighthouse) excursion, ending at Finisterre. In Roman times, they believed it was the literal end of the world (Finis Terrae). Standing there, looking out over the vast Atlantic after having just walked across the countryside, is a powerful experience. It gave us a real sense of connection to the local identity of Galicia—a place defined by its rugged, beautiful coastline.
Final Thoughts
We set out to promote Galician heritage and the core values of friendship. We built a small, temporary community on the trail. We shared stories, we shared the road, and we brought a little bit of the world together in one of the most historic spots on earth.
