The renowned and unique Renaissance Festival is back this weekend in the Belgian capital, and will, as always, end with the historic Ommegang procession.
Starting this Saturday, Brussels will be transported back in time for three weeks for its annual festival dedicated to celebrating Brussels' heritage and history during the Renaissance, widely considered the most prosperous period of its existence.
Through a series of events, including exhibitions, workshops, guided tours and conferences, it highlights the important role of Brussels at a time when it, and most of Europe, were part of an empire over which it was said that 'the sun never set'.
It was ruled by Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, one of the most influential figures in European politics who chose Brussels as his main residence, resulting in a diplomatic, cultural and artistic transformation.
Credit: Belga / Hatim Kaghat
Highlight of the festival
The festival will culminate during the most famous event, the Ommegang Procession, which this year will take place on Wednesday 28 June and Saturday 1 July. The unique spectacle, recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, relives the 1549 procession organised for Charles V and his son, the future Philip II.
The parade of 1,400 people includes musicians, singers, dancers, horsemen, uniformed guards and flag-bearers who will march through the streets of Brussels to the Grand Place, where they will perform an awe-inspiring flag-throwing ceremony. It gives onlookers the unique chance to see the city from a Renaissance perspective.
The impressive flag-throwing performance. Credit: Ommegang
On both days, a shooting competition between the two Brussels guilds of crossbowmen will be organised in front of the Church of Our Lady of the Sablon.
Before the procession, a Family Day will be organised at the Coudenberg Palace, where children will be invited to explore the underground passages of Brussels that contain relics from its prestigious past, while on Saturday 9 July, the Brussels City Museum will welcome visitors dressed in period Ommegang costumes to host various engaging activities.
