An annual Muslim procession in Copenhagen, known as Ashura, has sparked recent attention and concern after videos of the event circulated on social media. The procession took place in the Nørrebro district over the weekend and featured hundreds of participants dressed in dark clothing.

The event, which has been held annually in Copenhagen since 1996, commemorates the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and a key figure in Shia Islam. The procession is a significant event for Shia Muslims, marking Ashura, also known as Martyrs’ Day.

According to observers, the procession included children, people with disabilities, scholars, men, women, and families, all participating in a structured manner. The Imam Ali Mosque, a subject of previous scrutiny, was reportedly involved in organizing the event.

Ashura is a global event for Shia Muslims, similar to Good Friday in Christianity, marking the death of Hussein ibn Ali in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. This battle was a pivotal moment that deepened the divide between Shia and Sunni Muslims, stemming from a succession dispute following the Prophet Muhammad’s death in 632 AD.

Estimates suggest that the procession involved several hundred people. Experts estimate that Shia Muslims comprise 10 to 15 percent of the Muslim population in Denmark, with a portion of them being orthodox. The timing of this year’s Ashura procession coincided with the summer holidays, which may have contributed to a larger turnout than in previous years.