180,000 Motorcyclists Gather at Portuguese Shrine for Helmet Blessing

The ninth annual Pilgrimage of the Blessing of Helmets at Our Lady of Fatima shrine sees its largest turnout yet.

The event is renowned for its conviviality and displays of devotion, with this year's attendance being the largest ever.
Motorcyclists participated in a parade carrying a statue of Our Lady of Fatima and attended a Mass where their helmets were blessed.
The pilgrimage is organized by the Blessing of Helmets Association and various national and international motorcycle clubs, with support from multiple police forces.
Participants seek God's protection for their travels and remember those who have died or been injured in motorcycle accidents.
In 2023, Portugal recorded 8,936 motorcycle accidents, resulting in 124 deaths and 766 serious injuries.