With a massive turnout, thousands of pilgrims are already on their way to the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján for the 51st Youth Pilgrimage, a tradition that draws families, young people, and adults from all over the country. This year's theme, " Mother, give us love to walk with hope ," captures the spirit of a pilgrimage that once again unites faith and community along the iconic route.
The event takes place on Saturday, October 4th and Sunday, October 5th, 2025 , with the main gathering starting at the Sanctuary of San Cayetano in Liniers, and the final destination being the city of Luján after covering approximately 60 kilometers . The organizers, the Province, and the municipalities have set up a comprehensive support, security, and transportation operation to accompany each participant from beginning to end.
In the preceding weeks, anticipation grew strongly: according to Google Trends data , searches for details of the event increased, with particular interest in Buenos Aires, the City of Buenos Aires, La Pampa and, to a lesser extent, Río Negro and Entre Ríos.
Itinerary and schedule of the walk
The traditional starting point is the Sanctuary of San Cayetano (Cuzco 150, Liniers). Although many join the procession from early morning, the main gathering is scheduled for 10:00 AM , and the Pilgrim Image of the Virgin of Luján accompanies the march as a sign of unity and devotion.
The route runs through the western suburbs of Buenos Aires, passing through the municipalities of Morón, Merlo, Moreno, and General Rodríguez before connecting with National Route 7 towards the Basilica. It is a challenging but accessible trail, well-marked, and with volunteers available to guide hikers.
The Archdiocesan Commission for Popular Piety coordinates pastoral aspects and encourages participants to wear comfortable shoes, light layered clothing, and stay hydrated . Regular meals, rest breaks, and adherence to attendance guidelines are also recommended.
To facilitate participation, there are free health stations , rest areas, and staff trained to assist in situations of fatigue or discomfort, reducing risks and enabling more people to complete the experience.
Assistance, safety and hydration
The Province of Buenos Aires deployed a comprehensive operation that coordinates several ministries and municipalities along the route, with the Emergency Operations Center (COE) at the National University of Luján as the coordination base.
- Health: 58 health posts, 14 support spaces, four mobile hospitals, a hospital of greater complexity and 15 ambulances, accompanied by 56 health promoters.
- Hydration: 12 tanker trucks along the way and charging points. It is suggested to bring personal bottle to replenish water.
- Security: 1.400 troops, 218 mobile units, 78 motorcycles, equestrian supports, helicopters and lighting towers to regulate pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
- Childhood and adolescence: prevention and intervention teams for loss, in coordination with the 102 line.
In addition, community brigades such as the Argentine Rescue and Assistance Corps (CERSA) and the CER Brigade are joining the Community Emergency Response Committee to expand the capacity to react to eventualities.
Masses and celebrations
The liturgical schedule includes services both inside the Basilica and in General Belgrano Square . On Saturday, early morning Masses are celebrated in the church, followed by Masses in the square at staggered times throughout the day, including mid-afternoon and evening sessions.
On Sunday, celebrations continue in the square from dawn with 90-minute intervals , while Masses are held in the Basilica in the morning and afternoon. The main Mass is celebrated by the Archbishop of Buenos Aires , who offers his blessing to the pilgrims.
Those who cannot be present can follow a special broadcast starting at 19:00 p.m. on Saturday on Canal Orbe 21 and the official YouTube channel, which also broadcast the main celebration on Sunday.
Transport, access and cuts
To facilitate travel, Trenes Argentinos is reinforcing the Sarmiento line . On Saturday, there will be seven additional trains from Moreno to Luján (7:06, 9:26, 12:44, 15:04, 18:40, 21:00, and 23:39) and seven in the Luján-Moreno direction between 8:16 and 0:49. On Sunday, six additional services will be added in each direction from early morning until midday.
Additional electric train services are also scheduled: Liniers–Moreno departures at 1:05 and 3:15, and in the opposite direction, Moreno–Liniers at 0:02 and 2:02, with stops at intermediate stations. It is recommended to consult updated schedules on official channels.
Traffic will be modified in critical sections of the route. In areas like Ramos Mejía , temporary closures are expected on Rivadavia Avenue and at level crossings on the Sarmiento line (for example, Colombres, Carlos Calvo, and Monteagudo), in addition to restrictions on bridges such as the Papa Francisco Bridge. Signage and traffic control crews will be on hand to manage the flow of vehicles.
Road closures and detours are also planned at strategic intersections in Morón, Castelar, San Antonio de Padua, Paso del Rey, and Moreno , while alternative access routes such as Estrada, Pueyrredón, French, Buen Viaje, Blas Parera, Lebensohn, and others will remain open. In various municipalities, Néstor Kirchner Avenue (the continuation of Rivadavia Avenue) will be closed during certain hours, with traffic permitted through tunnels, modular bridges, and selected level crossings.
For those arriving by vehicle, authorities recommend leaving early , respecting detours, and prioritizing reinforced public transport, as closures will remain in place during the peak pilgrim flow period.
Once again, the city of Luján is preparing to welcome a multitude of pilgrims who walk with faith and hope . With a vast health, security, and transportation operation, and a liturgical calendar designed to accompany them throughout the weekend, the 51st Youth Pilgrimage is solidifying its position as one of the most significant popular events in the country.
