A Donativo Albergue is basically an Albergue that has no fixed price for accommodation or meals but relies on Pilgrims to “donate” what they feel is appropriate or what they can afford.
In our day-to-day World, where most things have a “price” this can cause some confusion. Let me say one thing up front though. Donativo does not mean free, though it can mean that too. I’ll explain.
How much to leave at a Donativo is a tricky question for many. There will usually be a donation box near the check in area or common areas. For years I avoided Donativos thinking I was doing the “right thing” leaving those beds for those who were short on funds. I even asked around more experienced Pilgrims. “How much should I leave?” And yes, it annoyed me at the time that there was no guidance to a specific amount.
But I think I now have a better grasp of the concept. And many will say, the Donativo Albergue is at the heart of the Camino culture of Hospitality.
In many Donativo Albergues, the volunteers are actually forbidden to suggest an amount to Donate. And I get that now. Sadly though, we hear many stories of Donativos struggling, quite often due to a mis-understanding of the concept.
In my simplistic view, I think of it this way. And I’m not going to suggest an amount intentionally.
- If you can afford it, pay what you would pay in a private Albergue. For a bed, a meal, whatever is provided.
- If you can’t afford that, pay what you can genuinely afford, even if that is nothing.
- And if you have the funds, pay extra to cover another Pilgrim.
Very often, what we donate today, feeds the Pilgrims tomorrow.
And you don’t even to be staying there, to leave a donation! Help keep the Donativo network alive.
Why not suggest a Price?
The reason I did not suggest a price, is that it can create a “price” expectation or a sense of obligation for the person asking. That may make them uncomfortable for whatever reason.
I know it sounds like a cop out. But I think allowing the Pilgrim to decide for themselves, what they can afford, what they would like to donate, how much they might want to help others if able. These are all things that should not be decided under any form of pressure or expectation.
At least that’s my interpretation of the Donativo concept. Maybe I’m wrong? The easiest thing to say, is perhaps. Whatever you would pay at a private Albergue, if you can afford that.
It’s one of those topics that can get a bit emotive.
As I said, a few years ago it annoyed me intensely. How hard can it be just to suggest a “price”?
But I was missing the point at the time.
Here’s a story I might have shared before.
The Albergue on the Via de la Plata (VdlP) was great, the host was great, but the meal was somewhat meagre. Prepared with love no doubt but stretched to make limited resources go further. They did their best. I recall there was a fairly watery soup, then fries with a simple salad and a bit of tinned tuna on it. It was enough though.
The Hospi and company were wonderful. It was an enjoyable meal.
We then happened to meet some Pilgrims who stayed there the night after. They remarked on the wonderful dinner they had, with lots of meat, vegetables etc etc.
We do indeed feed those behind us.
Be generous when you can. Pay it forward.
If you can’t, that’s fine too. It’s about community, isn’t it?
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