Nieves Velázquez
Every year in October thousands of people gather over the Lujan Pilgrimage, the biggest catholic event in Argentina, celebrated in Luján district, 70 kms from Buenos Aires city. This big catholic event takes place once a year to commemorate the first apparition of Virgin Mary, registered in 1910.
This year it’s the 50th anniversary and despite being a catholic date, not every pilgrim is. It’s an open event for everyone who wants to do it. Even if they want to use it to challenge themselves. It’s mostly performed on foot, but others prefer cycling, skating or running. It’s a long distance to go. Like from CDMX to Toluca or from Los Angeles to Newport Beach.
On another note, there are people that go specifically to help the pilgrims as assistance staff or similar. This year, the event takes place on 4, 5 and 6 of October. It starts the 4th at 6 PM and it ends the 6th at 8 AM.
People start walking on Friday afternoon. So on Saturday the first hour the stands are already busy. The assistance stands provide water, soap, cookies, massages and it’s also important to have some encouragement words for the participants.
“We start preparing things together with the scout Group in May” said an Argentinian girl guides group. They start receiving donations 5 months before the event to be fully prepared. Both Scout and Girl guide groups, separated into small units to cover different areas. From the economic part, thought donation to finally, working shifts during the event.
They, also, make first aid courses, to stay prepared for different cases that could happen throughout the event. The instructors are part of the medical team. They are doctors and nurses who work alongside the scout and girl guide groups.
The groups said that last year was very challenging because of the cold weather. They were two people with hypothermia symptoms. Sometimes spending the night out there turns hard.
However, those kinds of situations don’t prevent them from doing a good job.
Once the event finishes, besides feeling exhausted, they could find happiness “In the middle of the chaos, you find peace and after you end up meeting a lot of people with different stories, and amazing experiences”.
* Article produced during AUNO’s English For Journalists Course
* Picture by Nieves Velázquez
