US EditionThousands of motocyclists gather at Portuguese shrine for annual Blessing of the Helmets
- Around 180,000 motorcyclists from across Portugal convened at the Fatima shrine over the weekend for the annual event known as the Blessing of the Helmets.
- The pilgrimage, marking its tenth anniversary, takes place alongside a 2024 report from Portugal’s national road safety authority that recorded nearly 10,000 motorcyclists in accidents, including 120 fatalities.
- At the event, priests moved among the crowd of bikers dressed in leather, blessing the helmets raised high by sprinkling them with holy water as a sign of spiritual protection.
- Father Carlos Cabecinhas said many bikers seek God's protection through Our Lady and remember those who died or were injured in accidents.
- The pilgrimage reinforces bikers' faith in safety on Portugal's roads and honors those lost, highlighting ongoing concerns about motorcyclist accidents.
24 Articles
24 Articles
180,000 motorcyclists gather in Portugal
An estimated 180,000 motorcyclists congregated on the Shrine of Fatima in Portugal last weekend for the annual Blessing of the Helmets, a spiritual event now in its tenth year. The unique pilgrimage combines road safety awareness with Catholic ritual, offering bikers a blessing of protection from the Virgin Mary as they ride Portugal’s open roads. Unlike the typical biker rally… Source
Associated Press News
Thousands of motocyclists gather at Portuguese shrine for annual Blessing of the Helmets
Motorcycle rallies often bring to mind beer and rock 'n' roll, but in northern Portugal one gathering focuses on spiritual protection.
Independent Español
focoinformativo.siteThe rallies of motorcyclists are known to be brewing events, rock ‘n’ roll and perhaps some other fight. But at an annual meeting in northern Portugal, the strongest drink is a sip of communion wine and music is strictly limited to hymns accompanied by a church organ.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 78% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
