Santuario de Chimayo | Easter Pilgrimage

The Santuario de Chimayo is located in northern New Mexico, approximately 30 miles northeast of Santa Fe. It is a small, unassuming adobe chapel that was built in the early 1800s by a Spanish settler who claimed to have seen a vision of the crucified Christ in a nearby field. The chapel was built on the site where the crucifix was found, and it quickly gained a reputation for being a place of healing. Over time, the chapel became known as the Santuario de Chimayo and became a pilgrimage site for Catholics across the Southwest.

The pilgrimage to the Santuario de Chimayo takes place during Holy Week and attracts thousands of pilgrims each year. The journey to the chapel can be made on foot, horseback, or by car. The most popular route is the El Camino Real, which is a 90-mile route that begins in Santa Fe and ends at the Santuario de Chimayo. The pilgrimage is an important act of devotion for many Catholics, who believe that their prayers will be answered and their sins forgiven if they make the journey to the chapel.

One of the most significant aspects of the pilgrimage to the Santuario de Chimayo is the healing dirt. The dirt is located in a small pit inside the chapel and is said to have miraculous healing powers. Pilgrims often take some of the healing dirt with them or apply it to their bodies in hopes of being cured of illnesses or ailments. The Santuario de Chimayo is also known for its holy water, which is believed to have cleansing and healing properties.

The pilgrimage to the Santuario de Chimayo is a mixture of religious devotion and cultural tradition. Many pilgrims bring offerings of crosses, candles, and rosaries and leave them at the chapel. Some even make their own crosses from twigs or branches they find along the way. The pilgrimage is also a time for families to come together and pass on their traditions to the next generation.

We stumbled upon this whole experience by accident in 2023, the week of Easter, while visiting Albuquerque. I'm so grateful we had the flexibility to venture out to this chapel and witness the pilgrimage and get ourselves some holy dirt. I even rubbed it on my knees while we were inside the chapel. So far, so good!