Every year, in the first week of July, the historic heart of Brussels becomes the stage for a spectacle unlike any other in the world. A 1.5-kilometre procession, knights in armour, dancers, folkloric giants, and a grand finale on the Grand-Place. This is the Ommegang, the folk festival that was added to UNESCO’s intangible heritage list in 2019, attracting thousands of spectators from around the globe.

(Staff: Belgium / Culture & Traditions)

Few events in Belgium combine history, folklore, and modern showmanship as harmoniously as the Brussels Ommegang. Every year, in the first week of July, the Belgian capital turns back the clock to recreate one of the most important moments in its history: the solemn entry of Emperor Charles V into the city in 1549.

From religious procession to national celebration

The story of the Ommegang begins long before 1549. Its origins lie in a legend from 1348, linked to a statue of the Virgin Mary brought from Antwerp to the chapel on the Sablon, at the initiative of a pious woman, Béatrice Soetkens. Initially, it was a religious procession, in which the Guild of Crossbowmen carried the statue around the church to pay homage. The name “Ommegang” comes from old Flemish and means “going around”.

In 1549, Emperor Charles V decided to come to Brussels to present his son, the future King Philip II of Spain, to his subjects. The city’s elite transformed the religious procession into a grand spectacle, designed to impress the most powerful man in the world at the time. This event set the template for the modern Ommegang.

Decline and rebirth in 1930

Like many traditions, the Ommegang experienced periods of decline. In the 18th century, the procession gradually disappeared. However, in 1930, on the occasion of Belgium’s centenary, a group of enthusiasts decided to revive the spectacle, based on historical accounts of the 1549 procession. Since then, the Ommegang has been held annually, with only a short interruption, becoming one of the country’s most important folkloric events.

A spectacle of grand proportions

The 2026 edition, the 94th, took place on 1 and 3 July, with Japan as the guest of honour, marking the 160th anniversary of Belgian-Japanese diplomatic relations. For this edition, over 1,400 performers in historical costumes, handmade from materials like velvet, paraded along a 1.5-kilometre route, from the Sablon to the Grand-Place. Each costume can be extremely heavy, some robes weighing over 10 kilograms.

The spectacle on the Grand-Place is the highlight of the evening, featuring light shows, pyrotechnics, and music. This year, writer and historian Bart Van Loo played the role of the Herald, and comedian Fred Jannin created live drawings on giant screens.

Real nobles and living traditions

One remarkable aspect of the Ommegang is that many of the historical characters are played by direct descendants of the noble families who took part in the original procession. For example, Emperor Charles V is played by Prince Albert-Henri de Merode, and Archduchess Priscilla of Austria plays the role of Eleanor, daughter of Philip the Fair.

How can you take part?

The Ommegang is a public event. The spectacle on the Grand-Place is ticketed, with prices for the stands in 2026 ranging from 55 to 85 euros. However, the procession can be watched for free from the streetside along the route, and the Sablon is considered an ideal spot to view the parade. In addition, a Renaissance village was set up on the Sablon, with craftspeople, jousting tournaments, and crossbow shooting, all free of charge. From 8:00 PM, the atmosphere becomes magical, as the crowd gradually transforms and the 21st century seems to disappear.

A globally recognised festival

In 2019, the Ommegang was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition cements its status as a symbol of Brussels’ identity and Belgian cultural unity.