Camino Photo of the Day: Lavacolla

The village of Lavacolla is now basically a suburb of Santiago – in fact, it’s where the airport is located. In earlier days, however, this stream was considered the last place before the end of the pilgrimage to wash up before the cathedral. Supposedly the name of the village comes from lavar (to wash) and cuello (neck), meaning “to wash the neck”. Other etymologies indicate perhaps washing something slightly… stinkier. On my first pilgrimage, I followed the old custom by taking a brief wash in the Río Sionlla that flows through the village. I limited it to my hands and neck.

Date: 02 May 2013
Place: Lavacolla (Province of A Coruña, Galicia, Spain)
Today started: O Pedrouzo (a.k.a. Arca) (Province of A Coruña, Galicia, Spain)