Staff Writer
THE Cape Camino, an urban walk or pilgrimage around the Cape Peninsula, is expected to attract South Africans from all walks of life when the event is launched in April.
Cape Camino director Gabrielle Andrew, presenting the initiative at the Open Mosque in Wynberg, said yesterday it was a continuous event that is held all year round and which was inspired by the Spanish Camino – a 2 000-year-old “pilgrimage” which became internationally known, with hundreds of thousands participating each year.
“It is considered a nation-building project to the Spanish and European community, and had brought immeasurable income to small, medium and microbusinesses, supplying accommodation, food, curios, transport and many other spin-off businesses to the region,” said Andrew.
“Our history has divided us, but walking together can unite us. We can develop unity in our secular democracy and pride for our freedom of religion and the many religions that are represented in the ethnic and regional diversity of our population.
“Exploring our religious, spiritual and historical practices will provide us with another opportunity to unite in our humanity.”
The Cape Camino includes showcasing the Atlantic Seaboard, the city centre, the southern suburbs, False Bay, Scarborough, Noordhoek and Hout Bay, among others.
Finance, Economic Development and Tourism MEC Alan Winde said the event would be an asset to local tourism as well as promote business ideas.
“It has proven to be a successful brand in Spain and other countries, and it will be wonderful for the Cape.”