NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Each year in New Mexico, many make the pilgrimage to El Santuario de Chimayó and Tomé Hill on Good Friday. This year Good Friday, and the pilgrimage, will fall on April 7. To share your photos of the pilgrimage with KRQE News 13, submit them to Report It.
Weather
Friday is expected to be mostly sunny with some clouds. Highs are predicted to be in the lower 60s in Santa Fe and in the lower 70s in Valencia. For a more precise weather forecast, visit krqe.com/weather.
Road Closures for El Santuario de Chimayó Pilgrimage
The New Mexico Department of Transportation is preparing for walkers making their journey to the village of Chimayó during Holy Week. Most walkers travel along roadways, including US 84/285, which runs from Santa Fe to Española, through Pojoaque and Nambé. Crews will sweep NM 84/285, 503, and 76. Traffic signs will be placed throughout the area, telling drivers to watch for walkers.
New Mexico State Police, Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department, and Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Department will also provide traffic control. Two medical units along with porta-potties will be set up on NM 503.
About the El Santuario de Chimayó Pilgrimage
Chimayó is located between the towns of Santa Fe and Taos in northern New Mexico. The Santuario de Chimayó is a Roman Catholic church and is considered to be one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in the country.
People make the pilgrimage for various reasons and come from different places, but many seek the holy dirt located there – the Tierra Bendita. The dirt comes from a round pit within the El Pocito room of the church and is believed to have healing powers.
Below are some safety tips that people walking should follow:
- Stay on the shoulder of the highway and be aware of traffic. Stay off the overpasses and follow the yellow signs
- Wear bright reflective clothing and dress in layered clothing
- Take a flashlight, water, and food
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Wear sunscreen
- Don’t cross onto the roadway and don’t walk in highway medians
- Walk in groups of at least three or more for safety reasons
Road Closures for Tomé Hill Pilgrimage
The New Mexico Department of Transportation is preparing for walkers making their way to Tomé Hill on Friday. Traffic signs will be placed along NM 47 in Los Lunas to remind motorists of pilgrims walking to Tomé Hill.
About Tomé Hill Pilgrimage
El Cerro de Tomé (Tomé Hill) is located south of Valencia. Many people make the trek to reach the three crosses that sit atop the hill.
Pilgrims making the journey to Tomé Hill are asked by the Town of Tomé Land Grant owner/caretaker to follow the rules below:
- No animals of any kind are allowed on the hill on Good Friday. This includes, not limited to, dogs, cats, horses, sheep, and goats.
- Show respect for the sight by limiting the use of cell phones and other electronic devices.
- Do not leave additional crosses on the hill. Any crosses left will be removed by the land grant personnel.
- Use caution when going up and down the hill. The Town of Tomé Land Grant is not responsible for any injuries sustained while on or around the hill.
- Vendors of any kind are not allowed on or near the hill and will be asked to leave by Land Grant personnel.
- Please keep the site clean by using trash cans.
