The Camino Provides

Abstract

This thesis is the result of multi-sided fieldwork within the Netherlands and along the Camino Francés to Santiago de Compostela. The number of pilgrims that walk the Camino de Santiago rises drastically every year. Why do so many people walk the Camino and how come it is this popular? Tourists, pilgrims and their perceptions on each other and on authenticity are elaborated upon. Commodification of the Camino in light of services and facilities is outlined and discussed. The Camino can be considered as a resource for social wealth, which makes commodification a difficult process to research, which might be interesting for future research.