The National Republican Guard (GNR) will enhance security measures on May 12 and 13 in the context of Operation Pilgrimage 2025.
A special security arrangement will be executed to bolster patrols on the main access routes to the city of Fátima, as detailed in a statement received by Notícias ao Minuto on Wednesday.
The purpose of this strategy is to ensure “public safety and tranquility during the event, road safety and traffic flow, support and protection of pilgrims, and prevention of criminal activities, by intensifying policing at the Sanctuary and surrounding areas.”
This increased security presence in Fátima’s vicinity is necessitated by the “significant gathering of people.” The anticipated scale of the event entails a “heightened concern” for all aspects regarding the safety of individuals and property.
The initial phase of this operation runs from May 3 to 11, focusing policing efforts on critical routes used by walking pilgrims and surrounding event venues, along with the access routes, while also raising awareness among pilgrims.
What advice is offered to pilgrims?
Given the substantial gathering, the GNR advises pilgrims to follow certain behaviors en route: walk in single file; mark the start and end of groups; walk along the roadside edge, never on the road, wearing reflective vests; walk on the opposite side of the road to the direction of traffic; avoid areas where pedestrian movement is prohibited; do not wear headphones, earbuds, or use mobile phones while walking; refrain from walking alone at night and take extra care when crossing roads.
When in the city of Fátima and at the Sanctuary, the GNR recommends arriving early to avoid long queues; keeping valuables out of sight inside vehicles, storing them in the trunk before parking; always carrying personal documents with you, avoiding leaving them in the vehicle, and not keeping wallets/phones in back pockets or backpacks.
Where possible, store them in a front pocket or a bag with a zip that remains in contact with your body; avoid carrying large amounts of cash, distributing it among various locations.
Recommendations also include not bringing valuable or conspicuous items; always keeping your phone charged and having the contact details of other group members; departing gradually and calmly after ceremonies to avoid long queues; never losing sight of elderly or children accompanying you, and always keeping an adult group’s contact details with you.
