La Rioja Cultural Experience Builds Connections, Deepens Understanding
La Rioja Cultural Experience Builds Connections, Deepens Understanding
by Sara Steig Gradwohl | Mooresville, IN
Twenty-nine lifetime members of American Pilgrims traveled to Spain’s La Rioja region June 5-11 on the organization’s second annual cultural experience. The Amigos del Camino de Santiago de La Rioja worked closely with the American Pilgrim cultural committee to develop an itinerary focused not only on the deep history, culture, wine, and gastronomy of the region, but most importantly to demonstrate how the local communities and Camino associations welcome and support pilgrims as they travel through their towns.
Participants enjoyed small group meetings with community leaders and members of the Amigos del Camino de Santiago de La Rioja, Cofradía del Santo (Santo Domingo de la Calzada), Peregrinos del Señor Santiago de Calahorra, Amigos del Camino de Santiago de Alfaro, and the Cofradía del Pez (Logroño).
We visited seven albergues and thanked them for their continuing care for pilgrims. In Nájera, we were thrilled to find American Pilgrims members Tina and Roel Arredondo serving as hospitaleros. The cathedrals and churches of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Navarrete, and Calahorra are spectacular, as are the important monasteries of Suso and Yuso. In springtime, visitors have the opportunity to observe cigüeñas (storks) nesting on steeples, towers, utility poles, and especially atop the roof of the Collegiate Church in Alfaro!
When traveling through La Rioja, slow down and take your time. Savor the history of communities such as La Guardia, Alfaro, Ezcaray, Briones, Haro, Cenicero, San Millán de la Cogolla, San Vicente de la Sonsierra, and Logroño.
La Rioja is famous for wine, but its fascinating history and warm hospitality will leave their marks on your heart.
