1st Adria Camino Festival

The inaugural Adria Camino Festival took place in Pula, Croatia, from May 2 to 5, 2024, drawing over 600 participants from 17 countries. Organized by the Croatian Confraternity of St. James and the South Istria tourism cluster, the festival celebrated the Camino de Santiago as a shared European cultural heritage 

Festival Highlights:

• Opening of the South Istria Camino Route: A new 193 km circular route was inaugurated, connecting Pula, Vodnjan, Fažana, Ližnjan, Medulin, and Marčana, expanding Croatia’s network of Camino paths.  

• European Premiere of “The Way, My Way”: Pilgrims attended the premiere of Bill Bennett’s film, which received a standing ovation for its heartfelt portrayal of the Camino experience.  

• Inspirational Testimonies: Marina Radošić, a blind pilgrim from Istria, shared her journey of completing the 400 km Camino Francés, inspiring many attendees.  

• Medieval Pilgrimage Reenactment: A costumed performance titled “Camino in the Year 1203” offered a theatrical glimpse into medieval pilgrimage life.  

• Workshops and Exhibitions: Attendees participated in sessions on Camino preparation, created personalized souvenirs, and explored exhibitions showcasing Camino routes across Europe