Law-enforcement and religious leaders have issued their annual call for safety during Holy Week pilgrimages to the Santuario de Chimayó.

Santa Fe County Undersheriff Robert Garcia expects the number of peregrinos, or pilgrims, to increase during the days leading up to Good Friday, just as they do every year. Drivers should watch for these pedestrians along highways, since some started their journey as early as Tuesday, Garcia said.

"Some travel from Albuquerque and farther south," Garcia said. "We're hoping for another safe one, with no incidents."

Garcia said participants should follow the designated pedestrian path and watch for signs posted by the New Mexico Department of Transportation.

Deputies plan to hand out about 3,000 glow sticks to walkers by 6 p.m. Thursday at the following intersections: Camino Encantado and U.S. 84/285; N.M. 503 and U.S. 84/285; and N.M. 108 and N.M. 76.

Several law-enforcement agencies will join forces to set up DWI checkpoints both Thursday and Friday.

Joanne Dupont Sandoval, secretary at the Chimayó parish, said a larger crowd than usual could visit the Roman Catholic shrine this year — possibly about 30,000 on Friday.

"We are expecting additional people," she said, "just because of the economic conditions. Some people often turn to faith."

Deacon Anthony Trujillo of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Santa Fe said many people, including teenagers, have expressed interest in participating in the pilgrimage for the first time.

His advice for all the peregrinos is to keep in mind the religious significance of the walk. In the past, some participants were caught drinking wine or beer, which is inappropriate, he said.

"My concern is that people need to keep it a pilgrimage," Trujillo said. "It's not a party. It's something solemn, something done out of respect."

Contact Sandra Baltazar Martínez at 986-3062 or sbmartinez@sfnewmexican.com.

SAFETY TIPS

The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department issued this advice:

• Pedestrians should wear bright clothing or reflective tape, take a flashlight and water, dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes. They should walk in groups of three or more, and stay on the east side of concrete barriers and not cross onto the road.
• Motorists should reduce speeds, drive away from the road's shoulder and not drive after drinking.