Grand Hotel Djibloho Hosted the XXXVII Capítulo Extraordinario de la Orden del Camino de Santiago
Held from March 18, 2026, at the Grand Hotel Djibloho, the XXXVII Capítulo Extraordinario de la Orden del Camino de Santiago, marked a significant cultural and spiritual milestone for Equatorial Guinea.
El Camino de Santiago, more than a geographical route, has for centuries represented a spiritual and cultural experience rooted in universal values such as faith, encounter, hospitality, and fraternity. The celebration of this Extraordinary Chapter in Equatorial Guinea symbolized a spiritual bridge between Europe and Africa, projecting the legacy of the Apostle James in a country where the Christian faith remains a living part of the national identity.
The Order’s presence in the country has been driven by its ambassador, Ms. Catalina Martínez Asumu, whose work has been characterized by cultural and spiritual diplomacy focused on dialogue between peoples and institutions, thereby reinforcing Equatorial Guinea’s role as a meeting point between continents around shared universal values.
The activities began on Wednesday, March 18, at the Grand Hotel Djibloho, with an opening day that brought together representatives of the Order of the Way of St. James, ecclesiastical and institutional authorities, as well as prominent figures from the cultural and social spheres. The gathering was part of the Order's ongoing efforts in Equatorial Guinea to strengthen spiritual, cultural, and institutional ties and promote the Way of St. James as a cultural and spiritual route within the African context.
During this day, several honorary distinctions were awarded. Among them, the Gold Medal was presented to the Episcopal Conference of Equatorial Guinea, accepted by His Excellency and Most Reverend Juan Domingo Beka, Bishop of Mongomo, in his capacity as President of the Conference. Likewise, the Bishop of Evinayong received the medal awarded to the Church of Saint Joseph the Worker, and the Commemorative Medal of the Basilica of Mongomo was accepted on behalf of the Episcopal Conference.
In the area of tourism cooperation and international outreach, the Tourism Plaque was presented to Ms. Irma Bonkanka, representative of the owners of the Grand Hotel Djibloho, in recognition of the establishment's role as a space for institutional and cultural exchange. Likewise, pilgrim Marco Manino was honored for his testimony and commitment to the values of the Camino de Santiago.
The closing day, held on Thursday, March 19, brought to a close several days of activities marked by spirituality, tradition, and institutional outreach. One of the most significant moments was the solemn Mass celebrated in the Basilica of Mongomo, which offered participants a space for reflection and spiritual unity, in keeping with the historical and religious dimension of the Camino de Santiago.
Afterwards, the members of the Order moved to the Pilgrims' Forest, where a moment of reflection and contemplation took place, reinforcing the connection between spirituality, nature, and collective memory. The Solemn Investiture Ceremony for Ladies and Knights was one of the highlights of the Chapter, symbolizing their ethical, cultural, and spiritual commitment to the values of fraternity, service, hospitality, and the safeguarding of heritage.
The day concluded with a Gala Dinner held at the Grand Hotel Djibloho, which served as a space for socializing and the official closing of the XXXVII Extraordinary Chapter.
The activities carried out and the subsequent institutional visits in Bata and Malabo laid the foundations for future cultural, spiritual, and tourism initiatives linked to the Camino de Santiago in Equatorial Guinea, reinforcing the cultural, spiritual, and tourism projection of Equatorial Guinea at an international level.
