Exhibition in Fátima reveals the Way of Saint James and inspires new pilgrims

A new exhibition dedicated to the Way of Saint James is on display at the Fátima Tourist Office, in the municipality of Ourém, until November 3.

Organized by the Jacobean Space Association (AEJ), the exhibition, entitled “Don’t pass by the Way… Let the Way pass by you instead”, invites visitors to embark on a symbolic journey along the famous pilgrimage route, through objects, photographs and pilgrims’ stories.

The exhibition reveals the culture and history surrounding the Way of Saint James, encouraging visitors to reflect on the experience of pilgrimage and to consider starting their own journey. According to the AEJ delegate in Fátima, Carina Frazão, the idea is for visitors to follow the famous yellow arrows, as if they were pilgrims, getting to know a route that never ends. “As soon as we finish one path, we already prepare another,” said Frazão during the inauguration of the exhibition on September 21.

Among the objects on display are the staff, the gourd, the backpack and the credential, all of which are part of the AEJ’s collection or have been donated by pilgrims. Visitors can also admire photographs of the various routes to Santiago, heritage images and symbols associated with the Jacobean pilgrimage. One of the highlights of the exhibition is the pot of Galician “queimada”, a typical drink from Galicia, which symbolizes the cultural richness of the regions that cross the Way.

For António Devesa, president of the AEJ, this exhibition is more than a presentation of objects: it’s a real invitation to prepare for the Way of Saint James. “Anyone who starts reading the testimonies, looking at the photographs and observing the heritage on display will better understand what the Way is and whether it suits their desires,” said Devesa, underlining the inspiring power of the event. The president also stressed the importance of the exhibition being located in Fátima, a strategic pilgrimage center. “Now those who come to Fátima have the opportunity to see this exhibition in the ideal place,” he added.

The exhibition has the support of the Municipality of Ourém and Turismo Centro de Portugal. Isabel Costa, vice-mayor of the municipality, highlighted the importance of the initiative, saying that “often, the idea that people already know what the Way of Saint James is doesn’t correspond to reality”. Costa also confessed that he was unaware of the impact that the Way has on the municipality of Ourém, but assured that the municipality will become more actively involved in promoting it.

For his part, the director of the Tourism Information Center of Turismo Centro de Portugal, Carlos Figueiredo, described the exhibition as “a fantastic show that needs to be publicized, not only for its quality, but also for its potential to bring people together and share knowledge”.

The exhibition “Don’t pass by the Way… Let the Way pass by you” can be visited from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 17:00. On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, the opening hours are 9:00-13:00 and 14:00-18:00.