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A new safety bee mascot demonstrates Santa Fe County safety tips for walkers in English and Spanish.                

 

SANTA FE, NM, March 5, 2026—Public safety personnel from across Northern New Mexico will support thousands of pilgrims, or "peregrinos," participating in the annual Good Friday Pilgrimage to the Santuario de Chimayó, a revered Roman Catholic church and shrine in northern Santa Fe County. All are welcome to participate in the tradition, which is over 200 years old and attracts over 30,000 people who may walk day or night along major roadways to get to there.

The pedestrian route follows parts of U.S. Highway 84/285, NM 503, Juan Medina Road leading to Chimayó, and NM 76 from Española to Chimayó, with temporary signs installed by the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) to help guide walkers along the safest and most accessible paths.

For some participants, the walk begins as far away as Albuquerque days in advance. But most attendees will be dropped off to begin their walk along U.S. Highway 84/285 somewhere between Santa Fe National Cemetery and Pojoaque Pueblo on Thursday April 2. Many will walk through the night, while others will be dropped off closer to Chimayó during the morning on Friday April 3.

This underscores the importance of public safety during the walk, for those on the pilgrimage as well as other travelers on the roadways.

Each year the behind-the-scenes support for the event becomes more organized, with the Santa Fe County Fire Department, Office of Emergency Management, Sheriff's Office, and Manager’s Office collaborating with over two dozen regional agencies.

"This amazing traditional and spiritual event is supported by a collaboration of public safety, IT, community services and transportation agencies across all levels of New Mexico government, from the state, two counties, two cities, and multiple Pueblos. Planning and coordination, led by Santa Fe County, begins months in advance to make sure the pilgrimage is safe for locals and tourists alike," shared Santa Fe County District 1 Commissioner Justin Greene.

Outreach is expanding, with a push to provide more of the safety messages in advance in Spanish and English, with a checklist online in both languages.

Street visibility is crucial for public safety, so Santa Fe County created a special Bee mascot for this year's event, with the slogan, “Bee Seen, Bee Safe,” and in Spanish, “Mantente Seguro, Mantente Visible.”  The mascot models good safety practices by wearing reflective clothing, a hat, headlamp, and hiking boots, and carries a backpack with supplies, water, a map, and a walking stick.

The New Mexico Department of Transportation is actively preparing by clearing debris and trash from roadway shoulders and sweeping key areas along the route. Crews are also trimming overgrown trees and brush and mowing grass to improve visibility and safety for participants.

First aid stations will be set up along the way. Common accidents include bumps, scrapes, and bruises from falls. The pedestrian route is uneven, and attendees are encouraged to bring a walking stick or hiking poles and be prepared for a variety of weather conditions.

Motorists should anticipate delays throughout the event. Extra traffic patrols will be in effect.

Safety tips for walkers:

What to wear

• Wear light-colored clothing that's easier for motorists to see.
• Wear reflective clothing, such as a bright vest, sash, or reflective bracelets.
• Add blinking lights or flashlights to be more visible.
• Wear sturdy walking or hiking shoes.

What to bring

• Weather can change rapidly. Bring appropriate clothing layers, sunscreen, a hat, and other items to help protect you from the elements.
• Bring water and snacks and stay hydrated. Portable restrooms will be available along the route.
• Bring a walking stick or hiking poles to help with uneven terrain.
• Bring a map of your route.
• Carry a first aid kit.

Other tips

• Walk in groups to help with visibility to motorists, and for support, if needed.
• Follow posted signage. NMDOT posts signage along the major pedestrian routes to help guide participants to safer areas.
• Be aware that cell phones may not work everywhere along the route.
• Choose locations and times for pick-up and drop-off in advance.
• Coordinate your check-in points in advance.
• Inform someone of your planned route and expected arrival time in advance.
• Be aware of the high elevation. Visitors from lower elevations may find traveling at high elevations causes difficulty breathing and fatigue.
• Call 911 in case of emergency.

For additional safety tips, watch the Santa Fe County Fire Department's video.