Dear members,
Introduction
We promised to follow up with an update after yesterday’s short message regarding a small change in the Events’ calendar and the addition of another Ireland trip.
Camino Maltés
We are pleased to report that the Camino Maltés Press Conference went very well and attracted significant attention both locally and overseas. We’re sure several of you followed this whether on TV, newspapers and/or social media.
We want to thank all the XirCammini members that were present for the event and everyone who supported us with so much encouragement in this endeavour. Thank you.
We also want to thank other hiking groups that supported us with their presence at the event. In heritage and faith hiking there is no competition. As XirCammini we will continue to offer information and assistance, whether to individuals or groups who request it.
The Press Conference was a waymark and not a destination after significant groundwork achieved beforehand. Much still needs to be done and XirCammini, with other regional NGOs, continues to carry the baton along the whole route from Malta to Santiago de Compostela. In this we are supported by various government entities and agencies including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and The Ministry of Culture and the Arts, The Ministry of Tourism, Malta Tourism Authority and Heritage Malta as well as the Local Councils and Local Council Associations.
Local Walking Events
These have taken off with a bang after the Christmas lull. We are so looking forward to meeting you on the Wed and Sat walks. Registration for the Round Comino trip on 5th February 2023 continues to ramp up. If you are interested but have not yet booked, this is the link. This event is only open to members and guests/family members registered by our members.
Do not forget also the 480th anniversary of the Universal Peace Walk 1543AD which we will walk on the 12th March 2023. If you require one way transport for this and/or a Credencial and certificate please register by following this link. This event is also open to non-members who can register using the same link.
Regrettably, as advised earlier the 3-day round Malta event originally scheduled for the end of April – 1st May long weekend has been postponed. We’ll set another date for it in Autumn 2023.
Overseas Hiking Events
If you are interested in any of the hiking events particularly between now and end of July we urge you to register following the available links per event because they are filling up fast.
For example, the
- February 2023: Sicilia Mare Neve (e Vino) in February is fully booked and closed.
- March 2023: The Via Del La Plata (Camino de Santiago) from March 25th to March 31st from Ourense to Santiago de Compostela has space for 6 more pilgrims. If you are interested please follow this link to register for it and pay the deposit.
- March/April 2023: The Camino Portugues (from either Porto or Valenca/Tui) from either the 31st March (Porto) or 5th April (Valenca) to Santiago de Compostela has space for 8 – 10 more pilgrims depending on which one you opt for. If you are interested please follow this link (Porto) or this link (Valenca/Tui) to register for it and pay the deposit.
- May/June 2023: The Cammino di San Francesco from La Verna to Assisi is almost fully booked (only 1 or 2 places left). If anyone is interested, we ask you to please register you interest and settle the deposit as early as practicable by following this link. Regrettably we will not be in a position to add accommodation for more persons because of limitations we have had in some of the interim stops on this Cammino.
- June/July 2023: The Pollino – Sila trip can accommodate more people so there are still quite a few places left on it. This will be a lovely mix of trekking and water rafting plus the usual southern Italian gourmet experiences. If you are interested in this event please follow this link to register and pay the deposit.
- August 2023: Having only just launched a second offering of the Irish trekking adventure (Tochar Phadraig, Cliff of Moher, Mean Min Pilgrimage, Church Island/Lough Cara etc.) from the 14th – 21st Aug ( the 21st – 28th Aug is already fully booked), registrations are coming in fast! There are only 10 places left on to the 14th = 21st Aug trip. If you are interested in this event please follow this link to register and pay the deposit.
- September 2023: Transumanza (trekking with the sheep) in Italy will take place in early September (6th – 10th Sept) and the San Salvador Camino in Spain will take place between the 20th and 27th September. We note, quite early that there is significant interest in the San Salvador but not so much in the Transumanza. We’ll continue to monitor your feedback on these in the coming weeks. Judging by your feedback, the San Salvador will definitely take place but we still have to provide more detailed information about it and a link as we did with the other Caminos.
Heritage Hiking Projects
In addition to all of the above local and overseas hiking activities we continue to work on a number of heritage hiking projects of local and regional interest. We are also receiving significant inquiries from overseas and continue to meet and host visitors on walks, particularly ones who share a similar passion for heritage and/or faith-related hiking.
Looking Ahead?
With the sudden increased momentum in what we are doing, it is felt now more than ever that we need to consolidate our activities and processes through our own NGO office. Work on this commenced quite some time ago and (more) slowly but also surely we do foresee that by the end of Q2-2023 a humble office, complete with a small Camino Chapel (il-Kappella tal-Vjaġġ), will be in place. Divine Providence is playing a big part in this.
Also, it is becoming increasingly clear that our focus from 2024 needs to be consolidated on what we do best, i.e. Caminos. Already actively researching, walking, leading and/or supporting Caminos and/or their recognised NGOs in Ireland, UK, Spain, Italy and Switzerland (the list keeps growing) our focus for the coming years will zero in on Caminos. So, on 2023 we will be actively engaging with our members to better understand whether we should sharpen our focus on Caminos even more to serve you better. There are many other very valid groups locally and or overseas that deliver high-quality generic overseas trekking or outdoor adventure experiences without the heritage or faith focus. We respect and encourage all of them in their endeavours, as well as our members participating in activities of other groups. Only good can come out of physical exercise and social interaction with like-minded people in our respective pursuit of health, well-being and happiness wherever or whoever the provider may be.
In the meantime, if any one has any questions on our activities or plans please do not hesitate to get in touch either through email, social media or drop us a line.
Needless to say, we look forward to continue interacting with you on our regular walks.
James & Tucc