NATCHEZ — In approximately one month, 30,000 guests are expected to drop in for a Natchez visit.

Their stays will be spread over a four-week time period — Spring Pilgrimage.

The number is a prediction made by local tourism officials; it’s the same number that visited for Pilgrimage last year.

Spring Pilgrimage starts March 7 and continues to April 7.

Natchez Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Kevin Kirby said the success of Spring Pilgrimage does not depend solely on the number of visitors who come into town, but also on the number of days they spend in Natchez and the number of activities in which they participate.

“(A large number of visitors present) a nice opportunity for overnight accommodations and extended stays to get in to all the properties and features that are open in addition to the historic tableaux,” Kirby said.

Twenty-four houses, in addition to several mansions open year round, will be on tour this year.

Visitors and locals alike can also attend the musical presentation of Southern Road to Freedom at Holy Family Catholic Church, “Southern Exposure,” a satire of the Natchez Pilgrimage performed by the Natchez Little Theatre and Little Women also performed by the Natchez Little Theatre.

Kirby also said the weather has a large impact on the number of visitors who attend the Spring Pilgrimage.

“By further enhancing the variety of things being offered during the Spring Pilgrimage, it basically is inviting the visitor to stay longer in Natchez and experience all the complimentary benefits of what Natchez has to offer,” Kirby said.