Pilgrimage, Tradition, and Authenticity

Abstract

This chapter argues that the Chartres pilgrimage is an example of religious travel that provides an ‘authentic' pilgrimage experience, in contrast with commercially packaged tours. This focus on tradition and authenticity is achieved by the gruelling nature of the walk, the use of medieval cathedrals as points of origin and destination, and a connection to Catholic rituals. The chapter examines scholarly literature on pilgrimage and religious tourism to show that the organisers are seeking to promote an experience that is distinct among religious tours. Furthermore, the chapter considers how the pilgrimage is illustrative of religious expression in post-secular times. At a time when the secularization thesis is being questioned, and where religion has become of greater importance for politics and policy formation, how religious identity is expressed, and how religious practitioners maintain their sense of the sacred in ‘a secular age', are important questions. The work of Habermas and Taylor is analysed to see how the pilgrimage reflects religion in post-secular times.