On May 3, the Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR) launches “Peregrinação Segura 2025,” a security operation aimed at ensuring the safety of pilgrims attending the Fátima celebrations. This initiative will intensify patrol actions on key routes leading to the city of Fátima and its Sanctuary, with activities continuing until May 14.
As noted in an official statement by the GNR, this event holds significant national and international importance, drawing thousands of believers worldwide. The GNR anticipates a substantial number of pilgrims traveling on foot, often in large groups along heavily trafficked roads with narrow or nonexistent shoulders, increasing the risk of accidents.
The large congregation necessitates special attention to traffic safety. Consequently, the operation will proceed in two phases.
The first phase spans May 3-11, focusing on policing efforts along critical routes, particularly those frequented by pedestrian pilgrims and around event venues and main access roads. These efforts will also aim to raise awareness among pilgrims.
The second phase, from May 12-14, centers on ensuring safety during the religious celebrations at the Fátima Sanctuary and surrounding areas.
Advice for Pilgrims
Given the event’s scale and associated safety concerns, the GNR advises pilgrims to adopt specific behaviors during their journey. These include walking in single file; signaling the start and end of groups; using the shoulder of the road, never the roadway, while wearing reflective vests; and walking against the traffic flow. Pilgrims should avoid pedestrian-prohibited areas, refrain from using headphones or mobile phones while walking, not walk alone at night, and exercise caution when crossing roads.
In Fátima and the Sanctuary, pilgrims are urged to arrive early to avoid long queues and secure their valuables by storing them in the car trunk before parking. Personal documents should be kept with them, not left in vehicles, and wallets or phones should not be carried in back pockets or backpacks.
Keeping items in front pockets or secure in a zipped bag close to the body is advisable. Pilgrims are also advised to avoid carrying large amounts of cash and to distribute small sums in different places for added security. The guidelines further advise against bringing valuable or ostentatious items, ensuring phones are charged and group contact information is easily accessible. After ceremonies, a calm and staggered departure is recommended to avoid long queues, and care should be taken to keep an eye on elderly participants or children, with contact details for an adult group member always at hand.
