Sacred Space under Pressure. Overpilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago ?

This article investigates the emerging phenomenon of overpilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago, understood as a distinct form of overtourism within a sacred context. The study aims to identify the main drivers of the massification of pilgrimage and to evaluate its implications for the spiritual, cultural, and social dimensions of the Camino. Drawing on recent scholarship, policy documents, and case studies from Santiago de Compostela and selected points along the route, the analysis addresses three research questions: 1. What factors contribute to the growing convergence of pilgrims and tourists on the Camino? 2. How does this dynamic affect the spiritual authenticity and local reception of the pilgrimage? 3. What strategies can mitigate the risk of overpilgrimage without undermining the sacred character of the journey? The article argues that although current data suggest no immediate crisis, proactive measures are required to preserve the Camino’s unique identity. Preliminary findings highlight the risk of “pilgrimphobia” among local communities, the need for balance between quality and quantity in pilgrimage experiences, and the value of innovative, non-restrictive management tools such as digital ticketing systems. The contribution of this study lies in framing overpilgrimage as a theological and cultural challenge rather than merely a logistical one, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the Camino as a sacred space, while engaging with the realities of contemporary mobility and tourism.