According to katedrale.lv, the first pilgrims traditionally leave for Aglona from Liepāja on the west coast of Latvia.
They began their journey this morning and should reach Aglona on August 13, walking about 30 kilometers each day.
Pilgrims from Rīga are to depart on July 31. Some will make their way to the shrine on bicycles, and soldiers from the Ādaži military base are also to join the ranks of holy wanderers on their way to Latvia's east each year.
The annual Catholic feast of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Aglona, eastern Latvia, culminating on August 15 with the Holy Mass, gathers thousands of believers from Latvia and other countries.
The pilgrimage is considered a national-scale event and receives money from the state budget.
