Annual pilgrimage to Aglona begins as first faithful set off

This year's annual pilgrimage to Aglona started on Saturday, August 1. The first group to depart consisted of parishioners from Riga's St. James Cathedral, who took part in a Holy Mass at 8:00 a.m. before setting off. The pilgrimage is a long-standing tradition that brings together believers from all over Latvia every August.

The pilgrims aim to take part in the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Aglona on August 15 – one of the most significant Catholic church events in the country. Many walk for tens or even hundreds of kilometres, spending nearly two weeks on the road.

In the following days, pilgrims from other Latvian Catholic parishes will join the journey. For example, the Catholic congregation of Salaspils is scheduled to set out on August 3. The pilgrimage traditionally attracts hundreds of participants and is among the most anticipated events for Latvia's Catholic community.