(ANSA) - RIAD, JUL 17 - The traditional pilgrimage to Mecca begins today, reserved for the second consecutive year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, for residents of Saudi Arabia and a maximum number of 60 thousand people.
The Muslim world is divided between those who cry tears of joy, for having reached the goal of a lifetime, and disappointment for millions of faithful around the world for two years excluded from the rite of the Hajj, the homage to the Kaaba, the cubic structure a fabric that represents the holiest shrine of Islam, but not even all residents and Saudis will be allowed to celebrate the holiday.
Before the pandemic, more than two million faithful from all over the world gathered for several days in the holiest city in Islam, with the only danger of being crushed in the crowds. Last year just 10,000 were admitted. Now, among more than 558,000 candidates, citizens or residents of the Kingdom of the Gulf, it has been necessary to select 60,000, just over 10 percent. The five-day pilgrimage is reserved for fully vaccinated residents, aged between 18 and 65, and not suffering from any chronic disease, according to the criteria established by the Saudi authorities.
The pilgrims selected online, all resident in the Kingdom, come from 150 countries, representing the large community of foreign workers who came mainly from Asia, Africa and the Middle East. "I have the impression of having won the lottery", exults an Egyptian pharmacist interviewed by AFP.
Other candidates weren't so lucky. And many have challenged the authorities, through social media, in a country where public criticisms against the government are very rare. "We are still looking forward to being accepted, as if we were taking an exam," wrote a Twitter user.
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