The Holy Year, or Jubilee, is a significant event in the Catholic Church, marked by special celebrations and pilgrimages. The upcoming Holy Year in 2025, centred in Rome, promises to be an extraordinary occasion, offering pilgrims and visitors an opportunity to experience spiritual renewal and partake in historic events.
We look at how you can celebrate this momentous occasion in Spain and ahead to the next Holy Year in Santiago de Compostela in 2027.
The Holy Year of 2025 in Rome
The Holy Year of 2025 will be a time of profound spiritual significance and jubilation in Rome. Every 25 years, the Pope declares a Holy Year, inviting the faithful to make pilgrimages to Rome and participate in a range of religious and cultural events. Pilgrims visiting Rome during this year will have the chance to:
Attend Special Masses and Ceremonies: The Vatican will host numerous masses and special ceremonies throughout the year, including solemn processions and papal audiences.
Visit Sacred Sites: Key sites include St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta), which are traditionally opened for pilgrims during Holy Years.
Experience Spiritual Reflection: Numerous retreats, workshops, and spiritual talks will be available for those seeking deeper reflection and connection during their visit.
Explore Historical and Cultural Offerings: In addition to religious activities, visitors can explore Rome’s rich history and culture, with its ancient ruins, art, and cuisine enhancing the overall experience.
How to celebrate the Jubilee in Spain
If you cannot make the journey to Rome, there are various ways to participate in the spirit of the Holy Year from Spain:
Participate in Local Pilgrimages: Many Spanish towns and cities will organise local pilgrimages and spiritual events in honour of the Holy Year. Join these activities to connect with the wider community and reflect on the significance of the year.
TOMA & COE also offer Camino de Santiago pilgrimages along the Mozarabe Route from Malaga, through Extremadura, and the final 108km into Santiago de Compostela. We also have one-day pilgrimages, where we explain he history of the Camino as you walk along part of its route.
Visit Sacred Sites in Spain: There are many sacred sites in Spain, not just of Christianity but also of Islam and Judaism. At one point in history, the three cultures/religions lived peacefully side-by-side.
For Christian sites, these are some of the sacred places you could visit with TOMA & Coe as your guides.
Córdoba Cathedral/Mosque – An impressive, visual showstopper, the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba also has a little secret. Carved into one of the marble columns is a crude cross. Known as the ‘Cross of the Captive’, legend has it a Christian man carved it with his fingernail whilst tied to the column.
Saint Teresa of Avila’s incorrupt hand – a relic of religious significance, the hand of Saint Teresa of Avila resides in a convent in Ronda. Read about how impactful a visit to see the relic was for TOMA guests.
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela – at the end of the final leg of the Camino, the cathedral houses relics of the apostle St James the Greater.
Looking ahead to Santiago de Compostela in 2027
The next Holy Year will be celebrated in Santiago de Compostela in 2027. Known as the Año Santo or Holy Year of Compostela, this event occurs when the feast day of St. James (July 25) falls on a Sunday. It is a significant occasion for the city and for pilgrims who journey along the Camino de Santiago.
During the Holy Year of Compostela, pilgrims will have the opportunity to:
Complete the Camino de Santiago: Many will walk the famous pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela, with special indulgences and blessings available for those who reach the city.
Add your name to the TOMA & COE wait list for our future Caminos
Attend Major Celebrations: The city will host various religious and cultural events, including masses, processions, and concerts.
Explore Santiago’s Historic Sites: Beyond the pilgrimage, visitors can enjoy the rich history and architecture of Santiago de Compostela, including the magnificent cathedral and its surrounding medieval streets.
Embracing the spirit of the Holy Year
Both the Holy Year of 2025 in Rome and the Holy Year of Compostela in 2027 offer unique opportunities for spiritual enrichment and communal celebration.
Whether travelling to these sacred locations or participating in local events and activities in Spain, the essence of the Jubilee invites all to reflect, renew, and celebrate their faith.
Let TOMA & COE be your tour guide on your celebratory routes.
