"The Ommegang" which litterally means " "walking around"! It remains the oldest historical ceremony of the immaterial inheritance of Brussels and gives you breathtaking folklore, magic and animations.
More than 1400 performers help to relive a history (1549, the procession of Charles Quint)
A whole medieval village was created at Place du Grand Sablon, and I went there in the afternoon to see the Knights combating on foot and horses, and falconry.
In the evening you could see the reconstitution of that memorable day of 2nd June 1549, when Charles Quint arrived.
The Grand'Place in the afternoon, when the tribunes were put up
on both sides of the place, there was also a place for the Royal family, but only the Queen widow Fabiaola attended the show this year.
The afternoon started well with this huge beer barrel
The Place Sablon was covered with sand for the horse show and the knights fights
They prepare and dress in this heavy armors
In case a horseshoe is not fitting or missing
Not so easy to wear !
Some chats before the start
and here we go !
You will loose !
He lost !
Then started the horse show
They were dressed in these old costumes
arriving
and walk around the whole place
The start
and go !
In the evening on the Grand'Place was then the historical reconstitution.
I choose some pictures I found on Internet, just to show you how it looked like
and this is a video which really shows you how very special the Ommegang is.
Oh this is fabulous!!
ReplyDeleteThe horses must love wearing the outfits They know they are being showed and they like it. :)
The knights are very nice as well.
I think there is a restaurant where they have this show while you eat.
Its a lot of fun.
What fun shots of the knights!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous event. The costumes and color is so authentic. It must be a great experience to take part and to watch. Great shots too.
ReplyDeleteWow what an amazing way to keep in touch with the history and heritage! The participants really go to a lot of work..so interesting. Your pictures are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful festival. The architecture of the Grand Place is quite stunning.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like an incredible experience. Your photos have me feeling like I was there.
ReplyDeleteWhat a colourful and fascinating pageant:-)
ReplyDeletethere are always interesting events on the Grand Place! I saw the carpet last august and here the Grand Place is covered with sand!!! Marvelous medieval show!
ReplyDeleteThis was how Mr. G won your heart, a galliant knight on a white horse.
ReplyDeleteThe medieval history lover in me enjoyed the photos and story very much, thank you. I would love to watch a show like this live one day. 'Ommegang" is probably my first ever Belgian word, except the chocolates. Yum!
ReplyDeleteVery nice shots and information about this cool medieval event!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
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Happy day****