All articles tagged with #pilgrims
Relics believed to be St. Francis are moved from the crypt to a nitrogen-filled glass case for a month of public viewing in Assisi to mark the saint’s 800th death anniversary, drawing hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and prompting security and local-impact considerations.
Thanksgiving in the U.S. is traditionally seen as a harmonious feast between Pilgrims and the Wampanoag, but its history is more complex, involving themes of national unity and racial exclusion. The holiday's origins are debated, with historians emphasizing the need to understand its true history, including the subsequent conflict and near destruction of the Wampanoag people. Thanksgiving became a national holiday during the Civil War, promoted by Sarah Josepha Hale as a unifying event, though it historically excluded many minority groups. Indigenous communities now observe a National Day of Mourning to highlight these overlooked narratives.
Hundreds of Muslim pilgrims died and thousands were treated for heat exhaustion during this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, where temperatures soared above 115 degrees. Despite efforts by Saudi authorities to mitigate the heat's impact, the extreme conditions led to widespread suffering and fatalities. The Hajj, a key pillar of Islam, remains a physically demanding and spiritually significant journey, but the increasing temperatures pose significant challenges for future pilgrimages.
Nearly 500 confirmed fatalities have been reported from this year's Hajj pilgrimage due to extreme heat, with the true toll potentially exceeding 1,000. The deaths include worshipers from various countries, and many more are hospitalized or missing. Despite safety measures, the high temperatures of up to 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit) have led to widespread heatstroke and other health issues among the 1.8 million pilgrims. The crisis has raised concerns about the safety of unregistered pilgrims and the adequacy of current safety protocols.
Hundreds of pilgrims have died during this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, primarily due to extreme heat with temperatures exceeding 51 degrees Celsius. Many of the deceased were unregistered pilgrims who lacked access to cooling facilities. Countries including Egypt, Indonesia, and India have reported significant fatalities. Overcrowding, poor sanitation, and long walking distances in intense heat exacerbated the situation. Saudi Arabia has faced criticism for inadequate safety measures, especially for unregistered pilgrims, despite recent efforts to improve conditions.
CNN presents a Thanksgiving quiz with questions about the history, food, traditions, and trivia surrounding the holiday. Test your knowledge on topics such as the first Thanksgiving, the absence of potatoes on the menu, the president who issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation, the state that raises the most turkeys, the amount of cranberries consumed, the invention of the Green Bean Bake, alternative pumpkin desserts, the location of the first Thanksgiving Day parade, the NFL team with the most games on Thanksgiving, and the compound in turkey often blamed for making you sleepy.
Extreme storms and heavy rains hit Saudi Arabia's Mecca, causing chaos and affecting pilgrims. Videos showed pilgrims getting soaked and slipping during the tawaf, while lightning struck the iconic Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower hotel. The storm brought gale-force winds exceeding 80 km/h, and some neighborhoods experienced mild flooding. No casualties were reported, but further storms were expected. Schools in parts of Mecca were closed for safety, and residents described the storm as one of the worst they had experienced.
Over 1.5 million young pilgrims gathered in Lisbon for the World Youth Day vigil celebration, braving the heat with makeshift tents and umbrellas. Excitement filled the air as the Pope arrived, and testimonies were shared by individuals from Portugal and Mozambique, highlighting their journeys of faith and resilience. The crowd connected through a symbolic gesture, and Pope Francis delivered a message of unity and perseverance, urging the pilgrims to support one another. The night concluded with adoration of Christ in the Eucharist, leaving the pilgrims comforted and in high spirits.
At least 20 pilgrims have been killed and 29 others injured in a bus crash in Saudi Arabia while they were on their way to Mecca for the Umrah pilgrimage. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but it is believed that there was an issue with the brakes. The victims were of different nationalities, including several Saudis. The crash occurred at the start of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, which is a busy time for Umrah pilgrimages.