Spain: Pilgrims back on the way of St. James | DW Documentary

Manolo is a 65-year-old lawyer - and atheist - walking the road to Santiago de Compostela for the 99th time. For him, the pilgrimage is about contemplation and self-discovery. This time he also wants to test his strength after recovering from COVID.
Manolo is still feeling the effects of COVID-19. He has trouble breathing and tires easily. But he won't let that stop him from making the journey and pursuing his goal of doing the pilgrimage 100 times. The route has only recently reopened. For months Spain's regional borders were closed due to the pandemic, and the Camino de Santiago was more or less deserted. That was a problem for the many hostels along the way, and indeed for the entire region, for which the pilgrims are an important source of revenue. The travelers range from devout Catholics to freethinkers like Manolo. But one thing unites them: they all agree that walking the Way of St. James is a life-changing experience. A report by Norman Striegel.
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[@silviacastilho78]

I made the Camino when I was 17 years old, with my friends, most of them atheists. We started in Portugal and we walked 124km. Now I am 21 and it's still my best experience. The obstacles, the people I met, and, most important, the feeling that I felt during and after stayed until this day. I can say it has shaped my spiritual life a lot. During those days you're just focused on that moment. You don't think about the future. You don't know what the places you go to are. And that feeling of the unknown, following only shells, can be challenging, but it conveys an unimaginable sense of freedom and happiness. You reflect and learn what you really appreciate in life- it's amazing!

[@user-ow6vv3pn3v]

Can you please tell me how safe it is to travel alone. And is it a good idea to sleep in in the tent?

[@silviacastilho78]

@@user-ow6vv3pn3v I would say it is very safe! I am also considering doing by myself, however you can always choose more busy hours to walk. We are never alone. There is always caminhantes on the roads, because they are doing the same way as you, and that is very good also to know people and build relationships. About the tent, I would not recommend, because you have hostels/shelters only for caminhantes. They are cheap, easy to find and with a the basics you need. It makes also part of the experience! Sharing that place with other people, knowing their stories. And I don't know if camping places are avaliable in all the stops, or if they are close. I really recommend you to stay in the shelters.

[@BrightLit712]

I can feel his joy of walking long distances, I also go to wander on feet , max ten kms. My trek is semi-desert region of Pakistan and I dream of longer walks like this gentleman.

[@larsstougaard7097]

Sound great, keep on walking my friend 👍

[@gamerab9614]

This is why I have subscribed to DW Documentary.. .. They always brings documentary worth watching.. Please keep going DW Documentary

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for the positive feedback! We'r happy to hear that you like our content :)

[@axelbronchart4883]

I walked from Ghent Belgium to Santiago in 3 months, best experience ever! If u have, time I would recommend it to everyone!

[@larsstougaard7097]

Wow impressive 👌, I walk to the supermarket every day, a great walk too😄. I had some friends in University that walked from Copenhagen to Rome one summer, you just need time, good legs and the right hiking shoes.

[@05danmea]

@@larsstougaard7097 I agree with the part about the shoes! I was a bit confused why this gentleman was hiking in sandals and then wondered why his feet were so sore and painful.

[@SampyKhe]

That's old style! When the Camino ended at Santiago but started at you house door.

[@spanishwithlex]

I did the Way twice and def one of my best experience. The peace, the inner strength, the calm you feel... there are no words. And all the friends I made, people from all over the world, pillgrims and good people, that's the best part

[@macnosmutano4849]

While Manolo's story is heartfelt it's still strange that a Catholic wasn't interviewed.

[@annabellelanglois7475]

I have walked the camino 4 times in my early 20s. Best days of my life. I was wondering how covid changed the experience... I wish to go back with my husband and children one day

[@avantelvsitania3359]

Santiago has always had great influence in Portugal. Galiza is always a special for us, the birthplace of our dear language.

[@SanjayJiShrimadhopurWaale]

I walked the Camino twice. There is simply no other experience in the world similar to this! I so identify with Manolo. Thank you so much for this video. There is a tribe of Camino walkers … if you belong to it, you know it. 💐

[@DWDocumentary]

Hi @Kumar, thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts and experience!

[@OdinMMA]

What a wonderful story. God’s speed to all pilgrims!

[@hainanbob6144]

I know how he feels, not physically, but mentally. I walk every day bar one, and try to meet a daily target of ten kilometres. It's quite hilly where I live and very warm but the scenery always makes it worthwhile.

[@nikkodemus1296]

Have done the Camino twice, and seeing this video, makes me want to do it again right away.

[@angelagentry562]

What a beautiful and heart warming documentary!

[@DWDocumentary]

Hi @angela gentry, thanks for watching!

[@clarkmadrosen1780]

The body is made for moving. Keep walking, i do it every day for the past 33yrs. Good feeling when completed daily.

[@SuperDahalo]

I resonate with Manolo on so many levels: his search to find his own limits, his atheism, his drive to find ''religious'' and transcendental experiences through physical activity and nature. I hope to cross path with him one day

[@prestonlindbeck1197]

Never heard of this until a few years back when I saw the film The Way with Emilio Estevez and his father Martin Sheen. Absolutely committed to doing this in the next year or so 2024/25. This is the Way

[@jenniferanne4533]

Years back...I have already watch a show in Natgeo that covered this kind of pilgrimage. Someday, I would be able to do this too. 🤞🤞

[@user-dq2ym1nn9k]

"the circle of life closes with death. I'm not afraid of it...and I'm no stranger to it. In fact, when it approaches me, I want it to happen in the place that gives me life." - he gets it.

[@feisaldianga511]

What a fascinating man and story keeping his passion of walking going dispute this Taft times of COVID-19 that has brought the world to a stand-still, an inspirational story

[@CowboyJojosAdventures]

Thank you for this wonderful documentary. We had planned to do the Camino in 2019, then COVID-19 hit the worlds and put an end to our adventure. Hopefully when the Pandemic has ended and my partner and will look forward to walking the whole 800kms of this grand epic walk.

[@hendle2055]

“I’m an atheist, thank God!”, he says. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@maria-yr4jq]

It's meant as a joke..

[@sandralawrence1043]

@@maria-yr4jq 1

[@James-ip8xs]

He seems more religious than a good amount of religious people

[@Explorer_77728]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@heathercompton3968]

such memories for me and living so far away tears me apart as i just want to walk in Europe

[@jjadriottt9073]

Bravo! 👏👏👏👍

[@benghazi4216]

For the first two minutes I was like: "This is strangely non Christian, more pagan than anything" And of course he was an atheist. Good documentary DW! Strangely gripping

[@kaoutarbassou6127]

I didn't understand all the talk, but the show was wonderful

[@jennbi1627]

Wish to trek this path!!!

[@0animalproductworld558]

I heard this from my Pastor. God bless them all 🍄

[@d.a.g.c961]

I am christian and i wish to do thiw pilgrame the next year.

[@Tokyowalking2023]

very nice video😍

[@danabraham1589]

He said “I am an atheist thank you God”.

[@benghazi4216]

Yes he did, it was a pure dad joke.

[@SanjayJiShrimadhopurWaale]

Thats because you dont speak spanish

[@raulenriquezdebenito3308]

Well, maybe you don't know how is the way, it's more like finding yourself, spiritual

[@anacasanova7350]

Ten cuidado Manolo, andando tanto te quedarás pronto sin rodilla. 😁🤗😃

[@seanclark2085]

I know where he's coming from , I'm up to 19 Camino's now, and I'm planning more, it's addictive.

[@pattskatoey3139]

He’s strong.

[@Chenchenfei]

Inspiring..not just for religious beliefs but revive one's ego

[@JillTravenner]

👌

[@ventedbus4917]

I wish I had this much free time

[@larsstougaard7097]

It's all about mindset, where I live in Scandinavia people gather in the weekend and walk in nature paths half a day. Maybe you can find a place or time to do something similar 😊🙏

[@johnsondavis5587]

Another unique episode from dw

[@FacelessJanus]

Sorry, but the number you mention are the ones that do the Camino Frances, and most of those do not go to Fisterra or Muxia. There are at least 70 Camino's. The Frances is most well-known of all, but due to that horrible to walk. Via de la Plata, is the loneliest one I know. And the joy of walking a long distance, I agree, one only knows if one has hiked it. (Done 3 different ones, than figured they became too touristy, prefer less people on the hike. Via Francigena is better that way, imho at least.)

[@mandau777]

My dream to be there…

[@juicyjules7409]

Santiago nice 🙂

[@sudipbhaumik7905]

bgm is very good

[@cayennepepah]

Someday!! Someday!!

[@thanhmansour3490]

The Spanish have atheists, but theyre not like the Scandinavian types. Spanish atheists not only like the Catholic culture of Spain, they sometimes do pilgrimages. Then, when they die, they get a Catholic burial.

[@valikny]

En España hay es un catolicismo cultural y ceremonial pero no religioso y devoto. Las iglesias están vacías y sólo se llenan en la BBC (bodas, bautizos y comuniones) Pd; los entierros son cada vez más laicos ya.

[@Johannes_Brahms65]

Don't watch this, go there!

[@pedrapgwilym1341]

I am saddened that such a fine documentary maker as DW is unable to understand that this is a Christian Pilgrimage. Out of the 350,000 Christian people who make this pilgrimage each year, why did you have to choose an avowed atheist? You are lowering yourselves to the standards of British 'journalism'.

[@drs6710]

DW has an agenda.. same with denying that virginity exists in their other documentary

[@orion3768]

It is a Christian pilgrimage but is also walked by all kinds of people to reflect and gain clarity on issues they have in life. I’m sure Christian’s would be happy that people are making the journey no matter what their faith or intention. It’s a spiritual journey for all to enjoy.

[@ThexXxXxOLOxXxXx]

3:40 "I'm an atheist thank god" What's this habibi?

[@dearmoon6418]

I wish I could take that journey like he did when the world goes back to nomalcy. Must be meaningful time to realize how unfathomable God’s love is. 🙏🏻

[@snicker576]

I'm an atheist myself, but I thought it was kinda weird how often they brought that up... like it somehow makes him a better person or something

[@silverhawkscape2677]

You'll be surprised on how many atheist think they are better because of that. And from experience, practically all of them. :/

[@snicker576]

@@silverhawkscape2677 Lol goin a little far there buddy

[@JuanJDumeP]

Jejejejjeje Manolo is the man.

[@anonymousxyzym6181]

Forget or remember? It’s a question.

[@undpqbnu]

The stamps give you your “compostelana”, not your Compostela.

[@05danmea]

I don't know why he would choose to wear sandals and then complain that his feet were so sore and painful. What a strange choice of footwear to go walking 100km in.

[@AMITSINGH-tj4vd]

I would like to go on pilgrimage. Can anyone tell me how to go from Madrid.

[@TheDoktor03]

You can take a train or a bus to Burgos and start your pilgrimage there.

[@AMITSINGH-tj4vd]

@@TheDoktor03 thanks for information .

[@sergioortiz8219]

just google "Camino de Santiago desde Madrid"

[@Mona.2307]

❤️❣️❤️🌹🌹DW

[@johnking8724]

"God Will`s It" !

[@fabiandimaspratama]

As Catholic minority, we had heard plenty of story about Camino de Santiago. We not only hope to see it personally but also want to walk its path. Interact with people along the path and contemplate about our life journey.

[@arturasstatkus8613]

Best for piligrim.

[@JulieDeuxFois]

All the comments not getting the man's humour

[@LiquidShivaz]

I hope he gives his family the same amount of freedom as he takes 😉

[@gillesblanchard1699]

Had to add your grain of salt?😯

[@LiquidShivaz]

@@gillesblanchard1699 Yes.

[@mikelamatria3610]

Unnecessarily aggressive comment I don't understand where does it come from??

[@LiquidShivaz]

@@mikelamatria3610 experience

[@irinakrugler9158]

I think deep inside he'd a devoted Catholic. Whatever his reasons may be for making a long and strenuous pilgrimage I hope he succeeds at getting there next year for 100th times.

[@benghazi4216]

Why is he a devoted Catholic deep inside? He says himself he is an atheist.

[@celestine7441]

I am in a Roman Catholic pilgrimage, and I rented a place - at hotela2c. When it was time to leave, they delayed things for no reason and did a witchcraft ritual. I do not want that. #romancatholic

[@venya2000]

Ultreia!

[@g.t.4961]

How can you say you are spiritual and atheist. What is the soul but God itself?

[@alexandrealphonse69]

Galiza ceive.

[@bamdadkhan]

this guy is awesome and his journey is both enchanting and heart-warming.. but why oh why is he using those pointless ski poles? xdddd

[@tamasfekete4124]

I think that he uses the ski poles to lessen the weight on his operated knees.

[@bamdadkhan]

@@tamasfekete4124 makes sense, i stand corrected : )

[@mrv6968]

If he hates his stressful life, why not just quit his job? I seriously doubt he needs the money! How foolish!

[@IbizaPlay]

It forces people to have a medical procedure that should be their personal choice in their body or not be able to live in society again. Where this goes is very very worrying.

[@MrSmokingpope]

"I'm an atheist, thank god".

[@larsstougaard7097]

Yeah what do you say to that Smoking Pope 🚬🤔

[@benghazi4216]

@@larsstougaard7097 He is making a joke. For an atheist like myself, I've heard that joke ten thousand times now. It's like an atheist dad joke.

[@larsstougaard7097]

@@benghazi4216 okay 👌, but I find it even deeper , the joke that is, when you involve the Pope aka The Smoking Pope top commenter 😆

[@nimrod2550]

I'm an atheist, thank God, says Manolo without irony.

[@DegreesOfThree]

'I'm an atheist, thank God.' Hmm🤔

[@bimampina5644]

03:42 “I am an atheist thank God” really? 😅

[@benghazi4216]

It's like an atheist dad joke

[@ashikislam8370]

create a video on Myanmar.Myanmar is going to civil war. world leader should stop war in Myanmar.

[@midway241]

He said “I’m an atheist, thank God”…..he is an atheist?

[@veenalouis5625]

He says he's atheist he says he believes in everything but not God, what kind of logic is this

[@jamespopov892]

One of the wonderful things that happened on the Camino was that I let go of religion.

[@livestreamsrecordingsuk4529]

A Atheist with Covid19 their will be a good ending following a jab of christianity not a needle 🙏🕊

[@eliaschris2154]

Very interesting, but at the same time I find this story sad and somehow dystopian. Modern people absolutely deprived from their metaphysical essence chained in their merciless meaningless secular life trying to find their ''inner truth'' or ''themselves'' or whatever. Quite a usual story. You had to find an atheist.. Why everything you transmit out there, you honest and smart people, has to fall under a specific narrative, worldview or whatever you may call it ?

[@os2841]

This didn't explain anything about the route, its history, etc. And also DW needs to stop pushing the covld agenda.

[@Devils-advocate78]

I’m an atheist thank god 😂😂😂

[@868freeman8]

He’s an atheist but thanks god that odd

[@benghazi4216]

He is joking of course

[@consuelopulici2354]

I am an atheist, thank God. 😂

[@mikeuptegrove]

Poor guy took the injection, guaranteed. And he feels different from it. :(

[@SolaceEasy]

Locos.

[@shaileshmathews4086]

❤️Due to 4 reasons One day I 'll do the "CAMINO DE SANTIAGO " If the God allows . ❤️I am a part time musician from India, plays English songs of good old England . ❤️1.Interest in medieval European history ❤️2.Interest in country life not poisoned by left liberal politically correctness. ❤️3.Interest in the legacy of Spanish /Norman christian pride. ❤️4.Above all ....the spirituality which leads to Jesus Christ our lord & savior

[@paxcssr]

"Spiritual" strength? Then he claim atheist🤣😂🤣...

[@prajeetchodankar690]

I am an atheists thanks God 3.41

[@valarmorghulis9912]

I’m an atheist ,thank god 🤣😂😂🤣🤣😗👌🏻

[@pmac2078]

What a walking contradiction.

[@silverhawkscape2677]

Sad hpw this pilgrimage is slowly losing it's meaning as atheist try to rebrand it. Hopefully this rebranding fails like how "atheist churches" failed spectacularly.

[@suetrublu]

I had similar thoughts watching this. But I believe in the power of God to get into the heart of even the most avowed atheist should that person will it. Let us pray that this man finds Him.

[@silverhawkscape2677]

@@suetrublu Amen

[@angelwoman9235]

A very "twee" thing to do nowdays.

[@juanparacchini4772]

Catholic athiesm.

[@dkcorderoyximenez3382]

Psst...Manolo...si, Manolo... You are on a repeated journey of faith...

[@MohamedMahmud]

3:43 " I am an Atheist Thank GOD..." 😂😂😂😂😂 The truth is he Believes in GOD but pretends to be an atheist to run away from responsibilities.

[@orion3768]

I think it was meant as a joke. Nobody is atheist to run away from responsibility. You probably have to me more responsible as you only have yourself to get you through, no asking god to absolve you of your sins.

[@inpersonaDK]

Covid infectiom? I stopped watching.

[@UnbrokenWillll]

What a baby