Most cities experience a high season and for centuries, Mecca’s has been early October, when Muslims from all over the world visit the Saudi city for a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage.

Islam, their faith, requires the 1.6 billion Muslims worldwide to make the holy journey to the birthplace of the religion. Through a series of rituals and historic reenactments, pilgrims pay tribute to God and walk the ground where the prophet Muhammad was born and lived. During the one-week event, three million people visit the city, which takes on an air of piety. The faithful are urged to reflect the spirit of the observance by dressing in white robes and forsaking the comforts of modern life.

For centuries, beyond its role as a religious