What do you need to know before a Good Friday pilgrimage?

Thousands make pilgrimages throughout New Mexico on Good Friday. For those making a pilgrimage for the first time this year, here’s some advice from people who have already made the journey.

1. Dress in layers and dress for the weather.

Ruben Escandon, public information officer for the Mt. Cristo Rey Restoration Committee, recommends dressing in layers for a Good Friday pilgrimage. Mt. Cristo Rey rises 800 feet, and the temperature gets lower at the top, where people end their pilgrimage at the 29-foot statue of Christ on the cross.

2. Wear comfortable shoes.

Pilgrimages require many steps. The difficulty of the task is part of the point — a show of devotion and sacrifice to reach a holy space. Escandon recommends wearing comfortable shoes for the journey.

3. Bring food and water.

Any hiker will tell you, it is easy to get dehydrated in the desert. Before embarking on a Good Friday pilgrimage, consider packing a few snacks and water.

Escandon recommends bringing food and water for the trek up Mt. Cristo Rey. There will also be food and water on sale at the base of the mountain. Just remember to bring your trash back with you or to use a trash receptacle to dispose of it.

4. Bring sun protection.

In a 2023 news release, the New Mexico Department of Transportation recommended that walkers bring sunglasses and sunscreen.

5. Wear bright, reflective clothing.

For people journeying along highways like those walking to Chimayó or Tomé, NMDOT has recommended wearing bright, reflective clothing whether walking during the day or at night to ensure visibility to passing cars. Also carry a flashlight or glow sticks.

6. Don’t forget the Band-Aids.

NMDOT recommends bringing Band-Aids on the journey.

7. Keep a watchful eye on traffic.

Walkers and motorists should stay alert and aware of their surroundings, said Jim Murray, public information officer for New Mexico Department of Transportation, District 5. It only takes one inattentive moment for an accident to happen, Murray said.

8. Remember to reflect.

Our Lady of Belen deacon Jerry Baca suggests really using the walk for reflection.

“Take that walk and just truly reflect on what (Christ) did on the cross for us. And then more importantly, how can I draw closer to Christ? How can I reflect on my past life, to make my work more effective, towards my journey to my eternal salvation with Christ?” Baca said.

Santa Fe Archbishop John Wester suggests also taking time to reflect before the pilgrimage about what you plan to use the walk for and leaving time after a walk to El Santuario de Chimayó to sit in the chapel or on the grounds and think back on the journey. Journaling can be a powerful tool for reflection, he said.

During the journey, make time for silent reflection or prayer, but don’t forget to chat with others on the path, he said.

“It’s like in the ‘Canterbury Tales.’ Anytime you’re on pilgrimage, you talk to people, you get to know people. ... Through other people oftentimes is one way that God speaks to us,” Wester said.