Procession of the Holy Blood (Healig Bloedprocessie)

Every spring, the medieval city of Bruges in Belgium becomes the stage for one of Europe’s most solemn religious events: the Procession of the Holy Blood. The Heilig Bloedprocessie is a renowned religious festival in Belgium, where a relic said to be stained with the blood of Christ is carried through the streets of Bruges. Its origins date back to the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Held on Ascension Day, this traditional event attracts both locals and visitors from around the world, offering a grand parade woven from faith and history. Whether you are drawn by spirituality or fascinated by tradition and history, this is an unforgettable opportunity to experience the very soul of Bruges.

The sound of church bells, the shimmer of intricately embroidered robes, the scent of incense drifting over cobblestones, and the sweet aroma of spring flowers and pastries fill the air. The Procession of the Holy Blood is a living ritual that connects Bruges’ past and present, enveloping the city in color, music, and a powerful sense of community.

The Grand Procession

Costumes and Decorations

Traditional Food & Drink

The origins of the Procession of the Holy Blood (Heilig Bloedprocessie) date back to the late 12th and early 13th centuries. According to legend, Thierry d’Alsace, Count of Flanders, brought the relic—said to be stained with the blood of Christ—back from Jerusalem after the Second Crusade (1147–1149), and enshrined it in Bruges’ Basilica of the Holy Blood in 1150.

At first, the relic was displayed only during Holy Week (Easter) and other important religious occasions, in solemn ceremonies inside the basilica. But from the late 13th century, the relic began to be paraded through the city, evolving into a large-scale procession in which believers and citizens could participate. As Bruges grew into a major commercial center in medieval Europe, the procession became a symbol of both faith and urban prosperity.

Despite the challenges of the Reformation, the French Revolution, and two World Wars, the Procession of the Holy Blood has been preserved by the citizens of Bruges. The costumes and performances have been refined over time, and today more than 1,700 people participate, with over 30,000 spectators. In 2009, it was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, and continues to be a “living history” that symbolizes the pride, faith, and intergenerational bonds of Bruges’ people.

When the relic passed before me, the entire city fell silent. It felt as if time had stopped. The costumes, music, and solemn atmosphere were overwhelming. After the parade, I learned that almost every family in Bruges is involved in some way, and I was deeply moved by the community’s pride and faith.

• The relic is enshrined in the Basilica of the Holy Blood on Burg Square in Bruges.
• The procession has continued almost uninterrupted for over 750 years, even through wars and political upheaval.

The Procession of the Holy Blood is held every May on Ascension Day in Bruges. For details, check the official tourism website or the Basilica of the Holy Blood’s event page.