Fatshimetrie: The Great Annual Gathering of Blessed Bikers in Fatima, Portugal
Every year, a spectacular event takes place at the shrine of Fatima, Portugal, attracting thousands of bikers from all over to participate in the annual novena of the Blessing of the Helmets. This year, an estimated crowd of 180,000 bikers gathered to celebrate this now iconic tradition.
This year’s theme, “We are shaped and guided by what we love,” set the tone for an impressive parade, during which a group of bikers carried the statue of Our Lady of Fatima in procession near the Basilica of the Holy Trinity. The mass that followed was the solemn occasion of the blessing of the helmets, symbolizing divine protection for all the bikers present.
Organized by the ABC (Association of the Blessing of Helmets) in collaboration with various national and international biker clubs, this annual pilgrimage also attracts the support of the national police forces. Indeed, with the safety of motorcyclists being a major concern, this event is particularly important in the face of the alarming statistics of road accidents involving motorcycles.
According to the Portuguese authorities, no fewer than 8,936 motorcycle accidents were recorded in 2023, resulting in 124 deaths and 766 serious injuries. It is therefore in a context marked by these tragic data that the fervor and devotion of the participants in the Blessing of the Helmets take on their full meaning, symbolizing both the quest for protection and the manifestation of faith in the Virgin Mary.
The Rector of the Shrine of Fatima, Father Carlos Cabecinhas, underlines the importance of this pilgrimage: “The blessing of the helmets, this large gathering of motorcyclists in Fatima, has become one of the great pilgrimages over the years. This place is undoubtedly a moment of meeting, conviviality and a manifestation of faith. Many of these motorcyclists come to ask for God’s protection through Our Lady for their journeys.”
Beyond this annual celebration, the Shrine of Fatima remains a major pilgrimage site for the Catholic faithful, particularly on May 13, the date of Our Lady’s apparition to three little shepherds in 1917. This event reinforces the spiritual and sacred character of this place, where faith and devotion mingle with a passion for motorcycling.
In conclusion, the Blessing of the Helmets in Fatima remains an unmissable event for motorcyclists seeking protection and spirituality. Beyond the passion for motorcycling, this event illustrates the deep connection between faith, road safety and the motorcycling community, offering a unique and symbolic dimension to this annual celebration.