Forget the typical roar of engines accompanied by rock ‘n’ roll and beer drinking; in northern Portugal, an annual motorcycle gathering offers a distinctly different kind of communion.
Over the weekend, an estimated 180,000 members of Portugalâs motorcycling community gathered at the Fatima shrine for the so-called Blessing of the Helmets.
Now in its tenth year, the pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Fatima aims to bestow bikers with a sense of spiritual protection from the Virgin Mary as they ride across Portugalâs open roads.
Leather vests creaked as riders walked around the shrine dedicated to the three shepherd children who saw an apparition of the Holy Virgin.
They participated in a talk on road security and faith and attended Mass, some with their helmets lifted in order to receive the host.
But the rallyâs highlight was the blessing, when priests walked through the sea of leather-clad pilgrims and sprinkled holy water on the helmets held aloft.
âWe make this pilgrimage every year because we have faith that she is always watching over us,â 49-year-old Manuel Santos said.
More than 9,900 motorcyclists were involved in accidents in 2024, according to Portugalâs national road safety authority. Most were minor incidents, but there were also 120 deaths.
âMany of these motorcyclists come to ask for Godâs protection through Our Lady for their trips, 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,â said Father Carlos Cabecinhas, the sanctuary’s rector.
The possibility of an accident is never far from the mind of Marlene Seabra, who was wearing a black bandana and leather waistcoat adorned with biker club badges.
âWhenever I get on my motorcycle, I ask Our Lady to protect me,â Seabra said.
