Identity fusion, a visceral union between personal and group identity is considered to be triggered and
maintained by collective rituals with certain characteristics (e.g., opaque causal actions, synchrony, high
excitement) and by recalling such rituals. The purpose of the present research was to determine the factors
that maintain identity fusion after taking part in the pilgrimage of the Way of Saint James. We conducted a
study with pilgrims (N = 609) to analyze the factors associated with the characteristics of rituals (Wave 1;
finishing point of the pilgrimage) and the sharing of episodic memories (Wave 2; three months later) that
contribute to maintaining identity fusion. Results indicated that engaging in ritual practices and recalling
episodic memories of the pilgrimage through contact with other pilgrims contribute to maintaining identity
fusion. The importance of contact after taking part in the ritual is discussed.
