Iran, religious procession, crowd of Shia muslim men, Ashura, Muharram

Ashura marks the martyrdom of Imam Hossein and is the most intense, passionate and emotional date on the Shia Muslim calendar, particularly in Iran, where the vast majority of the people are Shia. It is celebrated with religious theatre and sombre parades. In some places, such as here in Zanjan, large crowds take part in a procession where men walk through the streets.