Thousands attend ‘Blessing of the Helmets’ in Portugal

According to an Associated Press report, about 180,000 motorcyclists recently attended the Our Lady of Fatima shrine in central Portugal for the Blessing of Helmets.

The rector of the Sanctuary of Fatima told the AP that the event has steadily increased in prominence, with this year’s turnout being the largest ever.

The pilgrimage started with a parade of motorcyclists carrying Our Lady of Fatima’s statue next to the Basilica of the Holy Trinity. This was followed by a Mass during which the bikers’ helmets were blessed.

The pilgrimage is organized by Blessing of Helmets Association and by numerous national and international motorcycle clubs.

“Many of these motorcyclists come to ask for God’s protection through Our Lady for their trips,” says the rector, Carlos Cabecinhas. ”But they also come to remember those who have already left. who have already died, many of them in accidents, and those who are hurt, those who need help.”

According to the AP, there were 8,936 motorcycle accidents in Portugal in 2023, resulting in 124 deaths and 766 serious injuries.