The Basilica del Pilar in Zaragoza, in Spain, has registered a historical increase in international pilgrimages during the first semester of 2025, consolidating itself as a spiritual destiny of global relevance.
According to official data, a total of 2,639,487 visitors went to Pilar in this period, highlighting a significant increase in the number of international pilgrims accredited compared to the same period of 2024.
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From January to June of this year, 251 international groups were accredited with 9,290 pilgrims, which represents a 22.4% increase in groups (46 more) and 31.8% in pilgrims (2,241 more) compared to 2024, when 205 groups and 7,049 pilgrims were recorded. This growth reflects the growing attraction of the pillar as an epicenter of devotion and religious tourism.
May is consolidated as the month of greatest influx in both years, with 83 groups and 2,857 pilgrims in 2024, and a remarkable increase to 102 groups and 3,956 pilgrims in 2025 (+38.5% on pilgrims).
June also showed a significant increase, from 1,341 pilgrims in 2024 to 1953 in 2025 (+45.6%). On the other hand, April was the only month with a decrease, registering 16.4% less in groups and 24.7% less on pilgrims in 2025, possibly due to seasonal factors.
Geographic diversity
The first semester of this year also stands out for its greater internationalization, with the participation of 24 countries. New origins such as Uganda, Slovenia, Switzerland, Angola, Romania, Hong Kong, Cabo Verde, Isla Meeting and Vietnam joined the list, expanding geographical diversity.
The United States led with 1,845 pilgrims in 2025, followed by the Philippines, which maintained second place, with an increase of 28.2%. Indonesia experienced exceptional growth and Mexico and Colombia grew by 20.1% and 29%, respectively, while China doubled their participation with 342 pilgrims in 2025. Countries like South Korea, Brazil and Chile registered declines.
The increase in the quantity and diversity of pilgrims in 2025 reflects an upward trend in the popularity of the pillar as a spiritual destination.
As specified by the Metropolitan Cabildo of Zaragoza in a statement, the dominant presence of America (United States, Mexico, Philippines, Colombia) and Asia (Indonesia, China) is complemented by a relevant participation of Europe (Poland, France, Italy) and underlines the growing internationalization of this destination.
“The Basilica del Pilar continues to be a lighthouse of faith and culture, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world. These data confirm their relevance as one of the main global pilgrimage centers, with a positive impact on tourism and local economy,” concludes the statement.
Almudena Martínez-Bordiú
Graduated in journalism and advertising from the CEU San Pablo University of Madrid. Specialized in religious information in Spain since 2015. It has been a senior correspondent for ACI Press and Ewtn News at the Vatican for two years and is currently a correspondent for Europe based on Spain.