Logrono to Navarrete - Bookends and Fiestas

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A Roman road by the old city wall runs past the front door of the Municipal Albergue in Navarrete. A Hospitalero friend was volunteering there so I decided to drop by. 


The visit was a way of bookending my travels, at least informally helping out where I could, and revisiting my time as a hospitalero a couple of months back.


We had a diverse bunch of pilgrims - all kinds, believe me, all kinds. I was grateful to be involved again. 


Timing was perfect - a significant town festival and the feast day of Santiago happened while I was there! It was worth the walk - 12 kms west from Logrono. 

Farewell Wine-derful Hostel!


Hello Rioja grapes!

The Camino is dotted with ruins of medieval buildings of respite and rehabilitation.

Navarrete came into view, perched above surrounding vineyards and grain crops.


The locals were keen to tell me this is festival time. I was thrilled too!

The first night there was a community dinner.

The following day on the Feast of Santiago,  there was a special mass. Not only to honour St James but also to celebrate the swinging of their own local Botafumiero. Yes - there are only two in Spain - the other is in Santiago Cathedral. 

This one is smaller but did the job!

On the way into mass, my companion and I were invited by Spanish Public Television for interview. ‘Of course’ we said.

We were asked about the Botafumero, the Camino, being a peregrino and volunteering to help them … 

Not sure what was telecast, but we felt grateful to be included. After Mass, the party continued. A Flamenco ensemble from Seville were the headline act. I was in music heaven 🎵


The local community is vibrant. Earlier in the day there was a Tortilla making contest. Then winning and losing contestants creations were shared with everyone. Tortilla heaven!


Navarrete is a small town treasure in a region filled with tradition, history and culture. 

And the locals know how to celebrate important events and nurture community 

When I return home, I am taking Salsa lessons


Paid for by accidental busking money.

A couple of delightful teenagers dressed stylishly and possibly on their first date, came over and gave me this, when I was playing outside the albergue.


Next morning it was time to go - to walk back to Logrono, catch the bus to Madrid, and begin my homeward journey. 

Farewell Navarrete! Thankyou.

I am on my way home.














Comments

  1. Anonymous27 July 2026 at 21:03

    Wonderfully portrayed. Safe travels.

    ReplyDelete

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