NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – A decades-old Good Friday ritual brought tens of thousands of pilgrims to one of northern New Mexico’s most sacred sites. Crowds hit the pavement ahead of Easter to walk to El Santuario de Chimayó near Española.
“It’s time for reflection, to pray for my family, everybody else that I come in contact with on a daily basis,” said Larry Tafoya of Rio Rancho.
Tafoya has made the trek to the religious site in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains over 20 times. “I don’t do it for myself. I do it for, you know, of course, my family. And I’m able to reflect on the blessings that Jesus gave me throughout the year,” he said.
Some people choose to walk to the shrine or drive. Reguardless of the mode of transportation, the pilgramage can be a deeply spirtiual expericnce for individuals seeking healing, blessings or a connection to their faith.
“I think that’s why I’m so emotional today, because to see the loyalty and just the commitment to be on this walk. It’s very beautiful to see,” said Geneva Sandoval of Raton.
“It feels pretty good to know that we can get up and just do something, you know and just walk and it feels pretty good. At the end, you know, legs are pretty tired, pretty stiff. But spirits high? Spirits always high,” said Eloy Martinez from Trinidad, Colorado.
While at the shrine, pilgrims often gather holy dirt said to have healing powers to treat pain or illness, while others use it as a form of blessing for themselves or loved ones.
“It’s a great, calm feeling when you go to church and you get to pray. You get to get the holy dirt and the holy water. I like to pass it out to all my family and friends and give them a part of what I experience,” Tayoya explained.
The event draws in people from near and far to reflect, remember and reconnect.
“My dad passed last year, and I’m just here for him, to honor him, and just trying to get close to God,” said Sandoval.