Thousands of motorcyclists converge at Portuguese shrine to have helmets blessed

Motorcyclists holding their helmets gather at the Roman Catholic holy shrine of Fatima to attend the IX Pilgrimage of the Blessing of Helmets that draws tens of thousands (Ana Brigida/AP)

An estimated 180,000 motorcyclists gathered on Sunday at the Our Lady of Fatima shrine in central Portugal for the ninth annual Pilgrimage of the Blessing of Helmets.

Carlos Cabecinhas, the rector of the Sanctuary of Fatima, said the event has steadily increased in prominence – renowned for its conviviality as well as its shows of devotion.