Fatima. Advice to pilgrims: “Listen to your feet”

Tips from the podiatry association, more than 100 volunteers on the ground, around 200 soldiers per day until Tuesday.

The famous night of May 12th is close. Next Tuesday will be the highlight of the May celebrations in Sanctuary of Fátima.

This Saturday, the National Republican Guard (GNR) asked special care to pilgrims because of: rain and wind are expected to continue, sometimes strong, accompanied by thunderstorms.

“With the current weather conditions, it is important that everyone is aware that, not only pilgrims on foot, must pay attention to the road and vehicles, but drivers must be aware at this stage of the year that, suddenly, after any speed bump, any curve, a group of pilgrims may appear and, therefore, they should drive with more caution at this stage of the year”, commented GNR spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Canatário.

The “Safe Pilgrimage 2026” operation has approximately 200 soldiers per dayon the roads.

Pay attention to your feet

In addition to the military, there are more than 100 volunteers on the ground to support pilgrims. The Portuguese Association of Chiropody has free assistance stations in Águeda, Pombal and next to Sanctuary of Fátima – this is because many experience problems along the way, and some do not even reach their destination.

It is necessary “listen to your feet”warn podiatrists, cites the radio.

Manuel Portela, from the Portuguese Podiatry Association, remembers that many pilgrims are not prepared to walk so many kilometers, for days at a time.

Many use a “inadequate footwear, without cushioning and without comfort, and end up exceeding what the body is prepared to withstand”, warns Manuel Portela.

Right at the beginning of the walk, “many injuries muscles or ligaments and inflammatory processes that have exactly to do with the lack of preparation and inadequate footwear for the pilgrimage.”

A few kilometers later, in the following days, the more visible injuries: blisters, broken skin and infections caused by heat, humidity and long hours with wet feet.

It is common for bubbles e wounds caused by heat, humidity and constant friction. There are many skin lesions“namely blisters, caused by overheating or humidity. There are situations that can lead to infections.”

It is recommended to do several pauses, Change your socks several times, keep your feet dry and watch out for the first signs of pain.

If there has been an injury, the ideal is to see a podiatrist, nurse or doctor. Because “there are situations that should not be treated with self-care alone.”

This year’s pilgrimage will be presided over by the patriarch of Lisbon, Rui Valério – who is from Ourém.