Santa Fe County provides safety tips for El Santuario de Chimayó pilgrimage
Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story had an incorrect number of people who make the pilgrimage to Chimayo. The story has been updated.
CHIMAYO, N.M. (KRQE) – Santa Fe County is putting out an alert to drivers as northern New Mexico highways will soon be lined with thousands of people making the annual Good Friday pilgrimage to El Santuario de Chimayo.
It is almost that time again, for walkers to trek up to El Santuario de Chimayo in northern New Mexico for their faith, healing, tradition, and to honor family.
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“One of the first things is we want to make sure that people are well planned and well prepared. We are expecting a lot more this year than some of the participation that we’ve had in years past,” said Fire Protection Specialist with Santa Fe County Fire Department, Jeff Folgate.
The Santa Fe County Fire Department recommends people have a game plan, know the route they are taking, and never walk alone. “You want to make sure that you’re communicating with your family and with your friends or whoever you’re pick up is or just somebody who knows the route you’re taking,” said Ignacio Dominguez, Emergency Management Coordinator with the Santa Fe County Fire Department.
There will be medical units along the route and increased patrol with 29 agencies on hand. Normally around 30,000 people make the pilgrimage to Santuario de Chimayo for holy week. The county said the church reports seeing over 300,000 visitors a year. “If you are walking in dusk or evening or the dark hours, make sure to wear bright-colored clothing don’t wear dark clothing. Wear something bright so that you can be seen,” said Folgate.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation has set up orange barrels and signage along highways 76 and 503 to alert drivers. Those heading north can expect to see a lot of walkers along the road on Thursday, Friday, and into the weekend.
“Your normal traffic patterns may change. Give yourself more travel time and expect significant delays in the area. Eyes up. Eyes on the road,” added Folgate.
Santa Fe County said there is a new blue bus route that will run on March 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Española to Chimayo.
