Andina

Peru: Arequipa to welcome over 250,000 devotees during Virgen of Chapi Feast

14:49 | Arequipa (Arequipa region), Apr. 17.

More than 250,000 believers are expected to arrive at the Virgin of Chapi Sanctuary —located in southern Arequipa region— to participate in the May 1 festival, held on her behalf.

The Virgin of Chapi Feast is Arequipa's major religious event, which gathers thousands of worshippers from different parts of the country, and overseas.

Given the importance of this festivity, local authorities lead coordination and planning efforts to guarantee security during the pilgrimage to the sanctuary.

It must be noted Arequipa Archbishop Monsignor Javier del Rio Alba chaired a series of meetings, at which three delegations were formed in order to provide security to followers.

Transport, health, and infrastructure committees were created at said gatherings. 


These delegations are made up of Peruvian National Police members, as well as representatives of Arequipa Provincial Municipality, Civil Defense, Arequipa Regional Government, and other State-run organizations.

Before April 30, they will conduct field visits to check the status of roads, the location of police and health control booths, among others.

"It's a blessing from God to have the support of each one of you, which proves that we can join efforts from all areas with a common goal (...)," Monsignor Del Rio expressed.

The Virgin of Chapi Sanctuary is located in Polobaya district, 60 km away from Arequipa city.

(END) RMC/MAO/JAA/MVB

Published: 4/17/2018