The Ommegang pageant
Wednesday, 1 July and Friday, 3 July 2020


The origins of the Ommegang Pageant are found in the 14th century. When it first took place, it was a procession in honour of Our Lady of the Sablon, organised by the Grand Confraternity (“Serment”) of Crossbowmen. Quite soon thereafter the different guilds and bodies constituting the City joined the processions which then developed into a primarily secular, municipal event. The pageant taking place in 1549 is one of the most famous examples. At that year’s event Emperor Charles V (“Charles Quint”) visited this region of his Empire and officially introduced his son and successor, the future Phillip II. For these types of gala event, cities spared no expense to show themselves off in the very best of lights. And Brussels did just that on this occasion by organising one of the most resplendent of Ommegang processions ever undertaken.
Special Guests 2019

The Herald :
Natacha Régnier
Drawer:
Dany
Master of Ceremonies :
Thomas de Bergeyck
Heralds

The Ommegang Pageant has the pleasure of appointing a notable and celebrated personality to serve as the Herald of Arms, the official charged with making all the solemn proclamations and important announcements.
Dignitaries

Pierre Kroll
Dessinateur
Annie Cordy
Chanteuse et commédienne
Le Grand Jojo
Chanteur
Alain Tillière
Burgomaster of the Free Commune of the “Sacred Islet” (l’Ilot Sacré)
Thomas de Bergeyck
Belgian Journalist and Presenter of the Place Royal broadcast
Karine Lalieux
Municipal Councillor responsible for Culture, City of Brussels
Alain Courtois
First Councillor, City of Brussels
Didier Reynders
Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs
Faouzia Hariche
Municipal Councillor responsible for Youth, City of Brussels
Geoffroy Coomans de Brachene
Municipal Councillor responsible for Urban Development and Historical Preservation, City of Brussels
Gérald Watelet
Television Presenter, “C’est du Belge” & “Un gars un Chef”
The Procession route


Speakers

Bert Kruismans
(hosting in English)
A Flemish comedian, he has nonetheless managed to enthral all of Belgium, entertaining audiences across the entire country with his brand of humour. This multi-talented performer will join us to provide the English-language version of the Ommegang Pageant.
Jo Lemaire
(hosting in Dutch)
This fabulous Belgian chanteuse needs no introduction. For several years now, she has entranced us with her presentation of the Ommegang. A welcome fixture, Jo Lemaire will again present this year’s Dutch-language version of the Pageant.
Singers

Sebastien Romignon Ercolini
Tenor

Isabelle Everarts de Velp
Mezzosoprano

Production


Production
For more than 10 years now the Grand Place in Brussels has glowed and sparkled in a lighting fantasy directed by Gilles Daoust and his team. The pyrotechnic effects and music composed especially for the event add yet more breath-taking highlights to this tableau of Brussels from another age.
The public can follow the arrival of the procession on the large screen set up in the Grand Place.
Our Partners

