News and Articles

SANTA FE, NM - The annual Good Friday pilgrimage to the Santuario de Chimayo will take place on Friday, April 7. The Santuario de Chimayó is a Roman Catholic church and is considered to be one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in the country.

Traffic patrols will increase beginning Thursday night, April 6, and continue through the weekend.  Motorists can expect significant delays on the roads leading to and around Chimayo.  The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico State Police, Espanola Police Department, Rio Arriba Sheriff’s Office, Santa Fe City Police Department, Tesuque and Pojoaque Police Departments, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs and firefighters from Santa Fe County, Rio Arriba County, Espanola and Santa Fe City Fire Departments are working together to safeguard the event.

Coordination of support for the Santuario de Chimayo Pilgrimage is a partnership between Santa Fe County and Rio Arriba County Offices of Emergency Management.

Safety measures for pilgrimage participants include:

• Follow signage, avoid traffic lanes, and stay on the path marked for pedestrians.
• Wear weather-appropriate clothing and layers to adjust to changing weather conditions.
• Wear bright and visible colors, avoid black and dark colors.
• Carry a flashlight and wear something reflective, like reflective tape or a bright color that is visible from both the front and the back.
• Carry plenty of water and snacks.Do not walk alone. Notify someone where you will be.

“The forecast for Good Friday is mostly sunny, with a high near 62,” said Assistant Fire Chief Martin Vigil, Santa Fe County Emergency Manager. “With the strong sun and minimal cloud coverage, sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are always a great suggestion. Given the low humidity, all participants should avoid smoking and any open flames such as bar-b-ques and fire pits.”

What:  The Good Friday pilgrimage to the 2023 Santuario de Chimayo Pilgrimage
When:  Friday, April 7, 2023
Where:  US Highway 84/285, NM Highway 503, and Juan Medina Road, from Santa Fe to Chimayo

####

For more information, contact Ignacio Dominguez, Emergency Management Coordinator, at idominguez@santafecountynm.gov or 505-992-3074.