In recent times, numerous newspaper articles have been published about the misconduct of pilgrims: from assaults on hospitaleros (hostel workers); to unruly behavior at local festivals; to antisocial behavior upon arrival in Santiago, and more specifically, in the Plaza del Obradoiro; all real, sad, and regrettable situations.
In fact, some time ago, media outlets in Santiago published a ten-point code of good pilgrim conduct, drawn up by a residents’ association in the San Pedro neighborhood, which, in my opinion, falls far short.
In this article, I would like to review the rules of pilgrim conduct…
Clarification
It’s worth clarifying that these rules are not presented in any specific order, and many are more guidelines than official regulations.
Camino Maxim
First, all the rules can be summarized in this maxim:
(My own, and if you think of a better one, feel free to write it in the comments)
“Respect and consideration for the environment and for other people (whether they are other pilgrims, staff, hospitaleros, or locals), and when you can help, help.”
This maxim can serve as a guide for situations where there isn’t a specific rule…
In hostels and with staff
Regarding behavior inside hostels, it can be summarized as taking care of the facilities, as well as respecting the staff and other pilgrims…
We can mention some specifically:
Rule #1 is NEVER put your backpack on the bed. This is not only to avoid dirt but also to avoid bedbugs, which affect so many pilgrims…
Leave your boots and walking sticks outside the hostel, if the hospitalero requests it. This is to reduce dirt, as well as to free up some common areas.
And speaking of shared spaces, don’t leave your things lying around everywhere! Keep your personal space to a minimum…
Keep your shower short, both to conserve water and to free it up for other pilgrims.
If you use the kitchen, and there are many pilgrims, use the fewest items possible, and after cooking, immediately wash and dry everything you’ve used.
If you have leftover food and leave it in the refrigerator for other pilgrims, put a date on it; that way, the next pilgrim will know whether the food is still good or not.
If you find food in a hostel, you can eat it if you think no other pilgrim needs it more than you.
If you use disposable sheets, remember to throw them away the next morning if the manager or hospitalero asks you to. There’s probably a specific trash can for that purpose.
Respect other people’s sleep and don’t make noise or turn on the lights in the morning; some pilgrims need to sleep a little longer than you do.
If you’re traveling as a couple or in a group (and the manager allows it), don’t just choose the bottom bunks. Alternate between top and bottom bunks in different hostels.
Regarding the hostel managers:
Be grateful and considerate; many are volunteer hospitaleros who dedicate part of their vacation time to helping other pilgrims.
Pay attention to their instructions.
Respect all schedules, such as:
check-in (usually between 1 and 2 pm)
kitchen use (opens around 9 or 10 pm)
sleep time (10 pm)
wake-up time (5 or 6 am)
check-out time (5 or 7 am)
If you’re staying in a parish hostel and they ask for help, offer it. This might include cooking, setting the table, serving food, clearing the table, and washing and drying dishes.
If you stay in a donation-based hostel, give an amount equivalent to the service you received, and if you can, a little more.
If you’re unsure how much to donate and are torn between two figures, give the higher one.
These hostels face the problem that people leave too little or nothing, which is why they have been disappearing.
On the Way and with the locals…
Regarding behavior on the Way and with the locals…
Try not to make unnecessary noise, especially early in the morning in villages. Remember that the residents are asleep…
Take care of the signs; don’t write on them or take them for walks. They are very important for guiding future pilgrims…
And respect all historical heritage, including monuments and statues. Don’t climb on them or write graffiti…
If you plan to cross roads at night, wear reflective gear and be very careful when crossing. Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death on the Camino.
Greet the locals politely, even if it’s just a nod. If they say “buen camino” (have a good trip), say thank you!
Don’t leave your trash along the way. Pick it up and throw it in the bins in the next town.
And the same goes if you need to use the restroom along the way; collect the used toilet paper and put it in a bag to dispose of in the next town.
If the locals won’t let you sleep for some reason (for example, because they’re having a party)