Citizens’ Engagement Activities on the Primitive Way of St. James, Lugo, (SPAIN) thanks to ERDF

Camino de Swingtiago has prepared an original tour of the Jacobean route to discover the rhythm of swing, the improvements in the "Camino de Santiago Primitivo" (Primitive Way of Saint James) and in the city of Lugo thanks to European funds for regional development, ERDF.

This weekend the citizens of Lugo are lucky: the traditional pilgrimage will be filled with original dance steps. On Sunday morning, Camino de Swingtiago invites citizens to have breakfast at 10:30a.m. in one of the hostels where pilgrims are staying daily, Lug2, located in Rúa Pintor Corredoira, number 4.

It will help to gather strength before starting the route along the "Camino de Santiago Primitivo". In the meantime we will talk about how this pilgrimage route and the city of Lugo have changed in recent years, as well as the life of the citizens who pass every day through the steps of thousands of pilgrims.

We also want to check the knowledge of citizens about "El Camino". This is why we have prepared a very simple quiz. We will divide the participants into teams and there will be special prizes for the teams wiith the highest score. Are you going to miss it?

After the game. that can open debates throughout the day, and the awards ceremony, we will start walking and take the first dance steps, why not? This activity is the only free one, of free access for all the publics, of the Camino de Swingtiago. The swing workshops are private. To sign up for the activity on Sunday morning, we recommend filling out the online form to predict the number of people. And follow the news through the event on Facebook and the fan page.

For the rest of the private activities, you can check the program on the web and register: caminodeswingtiago.com

The "Camino de Santiago Primitivo" received around 2.3 million euros from ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) to improve its accessibility and the signaling of the different routes of the Camino with tumuli, ceramic shells, yellow arrows and the provision of services to the pilgrims along the route.

The "Camino Primitivo" route runs through the municipalities of: A Fonsagrada, Baleira, Castroverde, Lugo, Guntín, Friol, Palas de Rei, Toques and Melide, where it connects with the main route of the "Camino de Santiago" and the French Way.

This project, awarded in 2015 as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and backed by funding from the EU's Regional and Cohesion Policy, constitutes a case of good practices that serves as a source of inspiration for new regional policy solutions throughout the world and The EU. 

In addition to the "Camino Primitivo", the city of Lugo, has also received grants from this same European fund, whose effects are quickly seen in the daily life of citizens, such as: transformation of the jail into a cultural center with exhibition areas, one of the works with the highest budget or the change in the Praza Maior by providing the terraces for the catering establishments of uniformity. The historic center and the adjoining area outside the wall have been the areas that have experienced more improvements in recent years with these funds.

Camino de Swingtiago was born with the intention of combining two passions: love for the Camino de Santiago and enthusiasm for this jovial rhythm that has already so many followers around the world. This original initiative covers an informative work and spreads positive values ​​of citizenship to improve social integration, interculturality and diversity, among others.

The participants will move to the rhythm of Lindy-Hop, part of the swing family, born in the 20s in New York that marked a genuine style and fashion. Lindy-hop fans often travel making new friends sharing their hobby: a rhythm that for many is the perfect excuse to move, to know different cultures and to confirm that dance is a universal language that crosses the borders.

Among the participants of the "Way of St. James" is the renowned artist Lainey Silver, an eminence of this dance on the stages of New York. It will be a privilege to be able to walk with this remarkable New York artist, lover of Galicia and the Camino de Santiago. She will share walks, while providing the opportunity to learn first-hand some of the famous movements that have led her to receive applause from the most demanding audiences.

Samuel Rigal, outstanding Cuban dancer and choreographer, famous for his excellence in tap and swing, will also be present with the collaboration of the Frankie Manning Foundation, a pioneer institution in promoting the values ​​of this dance worldwide: respect, cooperation and inclusion .

Do you have to go as a couple? The answer to this mythical question is simple: everyone can dance at their own pace! Alone, with friends, with people of any gender, the swing is enjoyed in any way. Another advantage of this overflowing style of energy and "good vibes" is that we will share techniques so that everyone can enjoy as they please, dancing between activities full of connection, creativity and musicality.

This fun Jacobean route is open to all audiences, everyone is welcome: the more the better. "We want to carry light backpacks: good walking and dancing shoes, smiles and lots of enthusiasm," says the promoter, Ana Pilar.

If it motivates you to strengthen ties, cultural exchange and visit places of great beauty in coexistence with the best music, join this lively group. We will visit historical places, sharing customs, anecdotes, art and gastronomy. All those who come will be infected with passion in an intimate, joyful and unforgettable experience.

FULL PROGRAM
Day 7, Friday, A Coruña
11 h. Welcome to the English Way
6:30 p.m. Activity open to the public: "clandestine dance"
20 h. Workshops
10pm Swing party
 

Day 8, Saturday, Lugo
12 h. Welcome to the Primitive Way
4:30 p.m. Workshops
5:30 p.m. Optional tour
10pm Swing party

Day 9, Sunday, Lugo
10:30 Breakfast, presentation, quiz Hostel Lug2, Rúa Pintor Corredoira, number 4.
11:30 start of the guided walk from Albergue Lug2, Rúa Pintor Corredoira, number 4
13: 30h. "Clandestine dance"
14 h. Family and food photo

More information:
caminodeswingtiago.com
facebook.com/groups/CaminoDeSwingtiago