Cultural Committee
La Federación de Asociaciones del Camino Francés and American Pilgrims on the Camino have entered into an informal partnership to provide pilgrims with an in-depth cultural encounter as an enrichment to meaningful Camino experiences.
Our associations propose intimate walks to promote engagement through specific areas of the Camino Francés, focusing on the culture, architecture, history, gastronomy, and viticulture of the regions.
We believe this project will strengthen international relationships and forge lasting friendships between pilgrims from the United States and our fellow pilgrims in Spain and France.
2024 La Rioja Cultural Journey
Thirty lifetime members traveled to Spain’s La Rioja region June 5-11, 2024 on our second annual cultural journey. The purpose of the visit was to get to know the Camino Francés in this region accompanied by the Camino Association of La Rioja.
Each day included walking, meeting with representatives of both Camino associations and local communities, as well as visiting historic locations and points of interest. We sampled the typical cuisine of La Rioja and experienced a variety of restaurants, pintxos bars, gastronomical societies, and typical lunches of the area. We also visited various wineries of La Rioja, including Paco Garcia, Bodegas Riojanas, Vivanco, Hacienda Lopez de Haro, and Martínez Lacuesta.
View the itinerary.
Details on the 2025 Cultural Experience will be emailed to lifetime members at the end of the year.
Contact culturaljourney@americanpilgrims.org with questions.
2023 Navarra Cultural Journey
In May 2023, 27 members of American Pilgrims visited Spain's Navarra region on our inaugural culture journey and returned with rave reviews of the experiences and friendships made during the journey.
Una experiencia totalmente inolvidable! Gracias de todo corazón a todos los que contribuyeron a que esto fuera posible. No encuentro las palabras adecuadas para expresar mi agradecimiento a nuestros anfitriones de Estella que nos recibieron con todo su cariño y que nos hicieron sentirnos en casa. Ha sido un privilegio participar en esta “experiencia.” Buen camino a todos y espero que volvamos a vernos. -- Un abrazo muy, muy fuerte de Celia.
A totally unforgettable experience! Thanks from the bottom of my heart to all who made this possible. I can’t find adequate words to express my appreciation to our Estella hosts who received us so affectionately and made us feel at home. It has been a privilege to participate in this “experiencia.” Buen camino to all and I hope our paths cross again. -- A big hug from Celia
May 18-26, 2023 Itinerary*
Lifetime members of American Pilgrims were invited to get to know the Camino Francés, parts of the Camino Aragonés and the Camino Baztanes accompanied by the Camino Associations of Navarra.
Each day included walking six to ten kilometers and visiting historic locations and points of interest. We sampled the typical cuisine of Navarra and experienced a variety of restaurants, pintxos bars, gastronomical societies, and typical lunches of the area, and we visited various wineries of Navarra.
Thanks to Martin Peña, a trip participant, for producing this video slideshow.
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Photos from the 2023 Navarra Cultural Journey
2025 Cultural Journey
Our Cultural Committee will announce the 2025 details in late 2024.
Lifetime members of American Pilgrims will receive an email with details and an invitation to register for this intimate and in-depth cultural experience.
Not yet a lifetime member? Upgrade your membership today.
Our Grants and External Relations committees continue to build and strengthen relationships with the Camino associations in other countries; these cultural journeys are but one of the fruits of their labors.
Since the inception of the American Pilgrims' Grants program, we have awarded more than $579,000 to support more than 120 infrastructure projects along the Camino in Spain, France and Portugal. The funds for these grants come from membership dues and your generous donations.
Rev 07/03/2024