On February 9, a group of Buddhist monks taking part in the national “Walk for Peace” will pass through Old Town Alexandria as they travel to Washington, D.C. The City of Alexandria is organizing public safety and traffic management during the event.
Mayor Alyia Gaskins will present a City proclamation to the monks during their visit, recognizing their message of peace and compassion.
Residents and businesses are advised that the event may cause significant changes to vehicle access, deliveries, and travel within Old Town due to expected crowds and temporary street closures. Planning ahead is recommended.
The walk will start at S. Washington Street and Church Street at the city line, moving north along S. Washington Street through Old Town to Christ Church. Streets along this route will experience rolling closures between approximately 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., including Cameron Street between Washington Street and Alfred Street, as well as Columbus Street between King Street and Queen Street. Vehicle movement in these areas may be temporarily restricted but will resume once the procession has passed.
Parking within affected areas could be limited during the event window; however, vehicles unable to move due to weather conditions will not be ticketed or towed.
Business owners, employees, and community members can observe the walk by lining up along the route or gathering at Christ Church where the monks are scheduled to address attendees around noon.
Attendees are asked to follow specific guidelines for safety: “Follow all directions provided by law enforcement officers and event coordinators. Stay on sidewalks and out of roadways at all times. Stand calmly along the route and observe quietly. Remain in place and do not walk alongside or trail the monks. Refrain from approaching, touching, or stepping in front of the monks. Maintain a respectful distance and allow the monks to initiate any interaction.”
Increased pedestrian activity is expected from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., with limited vehicle access especially between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., contributing to what organizers describe as a calm atmosphere for reflection.
Police officers and city staff will assist with safety measures throughout the event period.
Alexandria provides services for residents, businesses, and visitors as an independent city within its defined boundaries (official website). The city also operates under a council-manager form of government where policy decisions are made by elected officials who select a manager for daily operations (official website). Alexandria incorporates racial and social equity into its policies in order to promote fair outcomes across its community (official website).
For disability accommodations related to this event, contact Mariah Covington at Mariah.Covington@alexandriava.gov or call 703-746-3978 (Virginia Relay 711). Free interpretation services are available upon request by emailing LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or calling 703-746-3960.