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A pinecone for the Camino de Santiago

The pinecone as a symbol of strength and unity Asociación Amigos del Camino de Santiago en Ávila
The pinecone as a symbol of strength and unity Asociación Amigos del Camino de Santiago en Ávila

In Spanish, the phrase hacer piña beautifully captures the act of coming together in solidarity, working collaboratively toward a shared goal, or offering mutual support. The imagery evoked is that of a pinecone (piña), whose tightly bound segments symbolize strength and unity through cohesion. The expression highlights the power of collective effort, reminding us that together, we can achieve more than as individuals.

For pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago in the lead-up to the Xacobeo 2027, this concept takes on a very tangible form. They might receive a golden pinecone as a gift—an unexpected token of fraternity and camaraderie.

Strengthening the Camino community

The “Haciendo Piña” initiative, launched by the Friends of the Camino de Santiago Association in Ávila, seeks to deepen the bonds among pilgrims, local associations, and towns along the route. With the Xacobeo 2027 as its horizon, the project aims to foster an even stronger Camino community.

Pinecones on the Camino de Santiago de Levante
Pinecones on the Camino de Santiago de Levante

The initiative’s name, Haciendo Piña (literally “making a pinecone”), resonates deeply with the pilgrim experience, evoking themes of mutual support, meaningful encounters, and a shared spirit of companionship. Its goals extend beyond symbolic gestures, as the project also promotes two less-traveled routes: the Camino de Levante-Sureste and the Camino Portugués.

While the popular Camino Francés often dominates the narrative of pilgrimage to Santiago, these other routes offer unique cultural, historical, and spiritual treasures waiting to be explored.

Routes to discover

 Camino de Levante-Sureste

Originating near the Mediterranean in cities like Valencia and Elche, the Camino de Levante-Sureste traverses monumental locations such as Toledo and Ávila. Eventually, it connects with the Camino Francés in the verdant Bierzo region of León. This route combines scenic landscapes with historical richness, making it a journey worth experiencing.

 Camino Portugués

The Camino Portugués begins in cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra, winding its way north to Santiago through the stunning Galician town of Tui. This southern approach offers a different perspective on pilgrimage, emphasizing Portugal’s deep connection to the Camino.

Both routes, though less frequented than the Camino Francés, showcase a wealth of cultural heritage, tangible and intangible, that deserves greater attention.

St James Way

A golden pinecone: Symbol of unity

At the heart of the Haciendo Piña initiative lies its very emblem: a golden pinecone. Members of the Ávila association distribute these small tokens to pilgrims they meet along the various stages of the Camino. Accompanied by a card reading, “I am the symbol of the union and fraternity of pilgrims, associations, and towns,” the pinecone serves as a physical reminder of the collective spirit that defines these ancient paths.

From 2025 through 2027, the association plans to organize gatherings, foster partnerships with other Camino organizations, and encourage active collaboration with local municipalities. These efforts aim to highlight the Camino as a space where cultures intersect, histories intertwine, and human connections flourish.

A call to shared experience

Haciendo Piña is a promotional campaign, but it is mostly an invitation to approach the Camino de Santiago from its most human, communal dimension. As the Xacobeo 2027 draws nearer, the initiative underscores the Camino’s enduring role as a meeting place of people, ideas, and stories.

The Friends of the Camino de Santiago in Ávila remind us that the true magic of the pilgrimage lies in those who walk it, the relationships forged along the way, and the shared legacy created step by step. For those embarking on this journey in the coming years, Haciendo Piña offers an opportunity to be part of a collective experience that transcends borders and unites hearts.

Let the golden pinecone be a symbol of what the Camino has always been: a path where unity and understanding lead the way.

 

This post is also available in: Español Italiano

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