In 2013, the Xunta de Galicia created the concept of the ‘Honorary Ambassador of the Way of Saint James'
Honorary Ambassadors of the Way of Saint James
The Honorary Ambassador
This is a distinction granted by the Xunta de Galicia which distinguishes the work of persons and institutions in defence of the Way and its values.
In 2013, the Xunta de Galicia created the concept of the ‘Honorary Ambassador of the Way of Saint James'. Since 2014, with this initiative, the Government of Galicia has distinguished the work of natural and legal persons who have contributed especially to the knowledge and dissemination of the Way, as well as to the Jacobean culture and values.
There are two categories of 'Honorary Ambassador of the Way ', both are for life and exclusively honorary: the personal category and the institutional category
There are two categories of 'Honorary Ambassador of the Way ', both are for life and exclusively honorary: the personal category and the institutional category.
The presentation of proposals of candidates for the Title may be carried out throughout the year. The Ambassadors will undertake to collaborate in the annual cultural programming of the Xunta de Galicia with, at least, one action or activity for the dissemination of the human, social, cultural and spiritual values of the Way.
Furthermore, a maximum of eight Titles of Lifetime Ambassador may be granted in each category, corresponding to the eight historical routes of the Way of Saint James.
The ceremony for the reception of the distinction is held in the month of October each year, coinciding with the day on which the Way was declared to be the First European Cultural Itinerary by the Council of Europe in 1987.
Who are the Honorary Ambassadors of the Pilgrim Route and how many are there?
Up until 2019, five honorary ambassadors had been named: the King of Spain, Felipe VI; the former coach of the Spanish national football team, Vicente del Bosque; the former president of the Spanish government, Mariano Rajoy; the King of Spain, Juan Carlos I; and, lastly, the Council of Europe.
Up until 2019, the Xunta de Galicia had recognised five Honorary Ambassadors of the Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim Route: the first was the current King of Spain, Felipe VI, who was appointed when he was still Prince of Asturias; the former coach of the Spanish national football team, Vicente del Bosque González; the former president of the Spanish government, Mariano Rajoy Brey; the King of Spain, Juan Carlos I; and, lastly, the Council of Europe.
The concession is for life and recognises the contribution to the knowledge and dissemination of the Way of Saint James through out the world
The Government of Galicia has recognised all of their special contributions to raising awareness and promoting the Way of Saint James all over the world.