Procession of the Holy Blood
Every year on Ascension Day, the Procession of the Holy Blood passes through the historic city center of Bruges. The Procession of the Holy Blood was created in 1304 as an expression of gratitude and faith. More than 1700 participants sing, play music, dance and act. The style of the procession reminds of the Burgundian time when guildsmen, craftsmen, brotherhoods and rhetoric chambers were responsible for the performance of the scenes.
The dominating theme is the remembrance of the suffering of Jesus Christ. The biblical narrations constitute the basis of the procession. Thematically, the Procession of the Holy Blood is divided into four parts. The evocation starts with the Old Testament, from Creation to the prophets. Next comes the New Testament, from Birth in Bethlehem to Pentecost. The third part tells how the relic of the Holy Blood ended up in Bruges. In the last part, the members of the Noble Brotherhood of the Holy Blood accompany the shrine in which the precious relic is stored.
The next procession will take place on Thursday 26 May 2022.
Accessibility
The City of Bruges is doing everything in its power to ensure that all visitors can enjoy ‘Bruges's most beautiful day’.
This year, for example, two areas have been set up along the procession route for people with disabilities and their guide(s): on the Market Square and on Hauwerstraat. The following facilities are available in these areas: accessible toilet, seating or standing (subject to reservation) and assistance (subject to reservation). If you want assistance, you will be contacted personally by an employee of Inter, the Flemish centre of expertise in the field of integral accessibility. You can request the following forms of assistance: pick-up from a bus stop, drop-off in the neighbourhood or at the station, assistance when going to the toilet, individual assistance on the spot.
Tickets for the accessible area can be booked online, by email or at the Tourist office 't Zand (Concert Hall). You can use these tickets on presentation of the European Disability Card (the blue parking card for people with disabilities) or a national reduction card for public transport ("blue card").
You can't be there anyway? The procession will also be broadcast live on the City of Bruges Facebook page.
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The Basilica of the Holy Blood was elevated to the status of Basilica in 1923, due to the special veneration of the Holy Blood.
Exclusively for UK residents: Book a stay of at least 2 nights in Bruges and enjoy the exclusive free Best of Bruges Deal worth 50 euros!
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