Hundreds of thousands of Hungarians celebrated Pentecost in Csíksomlyó in 2024 – PHOTOS

Hundreds of thousands of Hungarians gathered in the mountain range of Csíksomlyó in Transylvania’s Szeklerland, Central Romania. Apart from being a religious pilgrimage, Csíksomlyó means much more for the Hungarians: a place where all Hungarians can meet once every year to celebrate the religious holiday.

Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles of Jesus, but it means much more for many Hungarians. Hundreds of thousands of people go on a pilgrimage on this holiday to Csíksomlyó, one of the sacred places of the Carpathian Basin. Religious participants can get full absolution at the pilgrimage, but many non-Catholics also take part.

Photo: MTI

Csíksomlyó became a pilgrimage site in the 15th century, and the most important creation of the Pilgrimage Church was the statue of the Virgin Mary made between 1510 and 1515.

In 2024, László Felföldi, the bishop of Pécs, celebrated the Holy Mass, talking about the importance of making peace in ourselves and the world. He said there are “physical, spiritual” wars. He highlighted that we need a renewal and strengthening of faith and love.

Photo: MTI

The pilgrims will start to travel home this afternoon.

Here is our photo report of this year’s pilgrimage and celebration in Csíksomlyó:

Pilgrims’ train to Csíksomlyó from Budapest. The Csíksomlyó Expressz and the Székely Gyors brings thousands there every year. Photo: MTI

Many participants arrive on horseback. Below, you may check out some photos of the participants of the 7th Márton Áron Equestrian Pilgrimage:

And on foot, behind crosses:

Large crowds listened to the mass of the bishop of Pécs in Csíksomlyó this year despite the bad, rainy weather:

Read also:

• Why do hundreds of thousands of Hungarians go to Csíksomlyó on Pentecost? – Read more HERE
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