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SANTA FE, NM – In a unified effort, the Santa Fe County Fire Department, Santa Fe County Office of Emergency Management and the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office outline safety measures and coordination of support for the Santuario de Chimayó Pilgrimage scheduled for Friday, March 29, 2024.

The annual Good Friday Pilgrimage to the Santuario de Chimayó, a revered Roman Catholic church and shrine, draws over 300,000 pilgrims annually, seeking spiritual renewal and healing. Recognizing the significance of this event, Santa Fe County is proud to announce its collaboration with 29 participating agencies dedicated to ensuring public safety along the pilgrimage route.

Due to the number of those participating in the Pilgrimage to Santuario which begins Thursday night, March 28, 2024, and extends throughout the Easter weekend, potential for delays should be expected for motorists traveling North from Santa Fe on Highway 84/285, NM Highway 503, and Juan Medina Road leading to Chimayo as well as State Road 76 from Espanola to Chimayo. Enhanced traffic patrols will be in effect. Law enforcement agencies including the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico State Police, Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Fe City Police Department, Tesuque and Pojoaque Police Departments, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Law Enforcement, and Santa Fe County Animal Control, along with firefighters from various departments, will work together to safeguard the event.

For those intending to participate, careful planning is crucial. Consider developing a pre-planned route, check-in locations, and pre-arranged pick-up and drop-off points with traffic congestion in mind. Keep in mind that cell phone service may be limited depending on your wireless carrier.

Please adhere to the following safety measures:

• Follow signage, avoid traffic lanes, and stay on the path marked for pedestrians
• Wear weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes, hat, sunglasses and layers to adjust to changing weather
• Wear bright and visible colors, avoid black and dark colors
• Carry a flashlight or glow-stick and wear something reflective, such as reflective tape or a bright color vest that is visible from both the front and the back
• Carry plenty of water, snacks, and have sunscreen available
• Do not walk alone
• Don’t cross onto the roadway
• Do not walk in highway medians
• Call 911 for emergencies
• Notify someone where you will be

To access more safety tips from the Santa Fe County Fire Department, please view the informative video at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aycDuQS4HAE

To help accommodate pilgrims and visitors, the North Central Regional Transit District (NCRTD) Blue Bus will operate a special express bus, Route 151 on March 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Espanola to Chimayó through Pojoaque. Fare-free service will continue from Espanola to Chimayo on Route 150 along NM 76.

For more information on the NCRTD Blue Bus Santuario Express Route 151 schedule, please visit RideTheBlueBus.org or watch the information video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfxsgYDG_j0

Motorists are advised to anticipate significant delays in the Chimayo area. Plan accordingly, taking into account increased travel times. Exercise caution, avoid speeding and remain vigilant for pedestrians along the route. Specific road closures have been identified, including the potential closure of the third lane along US-84/US Hwy 285 N for walkers. Law enforcement will patrol the designated route

Participants and motorists are urged to carefully review the recommended route in planning for the pilgrimage.

What:  2024 Good Friday Pilgrimage to the Santuario de Chimayo

When:  Thursday, March 28, 2024-Sunday, March 31, 2024

Where:  US Highway 84/285, NM Highway 503, and Juan Medina Road, from Santa Fe to Chimayo and State Road 76 from Espanola to Chimayo

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