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🇧🇪 Belgium /Culture & Society

Author Bart Van Loo to Herald Brussels Ommegang

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Author Bart Van Loo will serve as the herald for the Brussels Ommegang, a major folkloric event taking place July 1 and 3.
  • The Ommegang, dating back to 1348, has evolved from a religious procession to a secular and political spectacle, famously presented to Emperor Charles V in 1549.
  • This year's event features 900 participants, including fanfares, antique instruments, police horses, falcons, and eight giants, culminating in a 3.5-kilometer procession and an evening spectacle with illuminated historic facades.

Author Bart Van Loo, known for his work "The Burgundians," will take on the role of herald for this year's Brussels Ommegang. This significant folkloric event, one of Belgium's largest, is scheduled for July 1 and 3 in the nation's capital.

The Ommegang - literally 'going around the church' - dates back to 1348 according to legend.

— VRT NWSHistorical context of the Ommegang event.

The Ommegang, whose origins legend traces back to 1348, began as a purely religious procession. Over time, it has incorporated secular and political dimensions. A pivotal moment occurred in 1549 when the Brussels magistracy presented the Ommegang to Emperor Charles V during his visit, showcasing the city's economic and military strength.

When Emperor Charles came to Brussels on June 2, 1549, the city magistrate chose to present the Ommegang to him and thus clearly show the emperor the economic and military power of Brussels.

— VRT NWSHistorical significance of the Ommegang's presentation to Emperor Charles V.

Today, the Brussels Ommegang continues to draw large crowds. This year's procession promises a grand display, featuring three fanfares, two groups with antique instruments, 48 federal police horses, hunting dogs, falcons, and eight giants. The dragon of Saint George, a 4.25-meter long, 2.30-meter wingspan, 105-kilogram structure carried by one person, remains a highlight.

The Brussels Ommegang still attracts numerous visitors today, and this year it will be celebrated on a grand scale again.

— VRT NWSDescription of the current scale and appeal of the Ommegang.

The impressive 3.5-kilometer procession will wind through the center of Brussels on July 1 and 3, 2026, involving 900 participants. It begins at 8:30 PM in the Parc de Bruxelles and proceeds through various streets before reaching the Grand Place. At 9:00 PM, an evening spectacle will unfold against the backdrop of historic facades illuminated by thousands of LED lights. Van Loo will guide the audience through the history of Brussels, Emperor Charles, and the Burgundian Netherlands.

Absolute eye-catcher remains the dragon of Saint George: a 4.25-meter long construction with a wingspan of 2.30 meters and a weight of 105 kilograms, carried by 1 person.

— VRT NWSHighlighting a specific element of the procession.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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