The Ommegang pageant

Wednesday, 3 and Friday, 5 July 2024

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 2024

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

The Procession route

Speakers 2024

Jo Lemaire
(Dutch-language version)

This fabulous Belgian singer needs no introduction. For several years now, she has been captivating us with her interpretation of L’Ommegang. Jo Lemaire will be with us for this new edition in Dutch.

Singers

Sebastien Romignon Ercolini
Tenor

Isabelle Everarts de Velp
Mezzosoprano

Production

Production

For more than 15 years now the Grand Place in Brussels has glowed and sparkled in a lighting fantasy directed by Giles 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.

Reservations

Our Partners

Amigo
Lotto EN
Artisans de l’histoire
Visit Brussels
KBC
Police
Ommegang Bière
Ville de Bruxelles
Brussels
Paris Match
LaLibre
VivaBruxelles
La Première
Stib
Coudenberg
Kiwanis
Itineraires
It 3
It 2
Itenario
COCOF

The historical re-enactment of the gala fête on 2 June 1549, organised by the Magistrate of Brussels, and given in honour of the Emperor Charles V “Quint”, his son Phillipe, Infant of Spain and Duke of Brabant, and his sisters, Maria, Queen of Hungary and Eleanore, Queen Dowager of France (widow of Francis I) at the Grand Place of Brussels. Departure of the procession of the Guilds and Serments of the Sablon.

Contact us

+ 32 2 511 19 09

Send us an e-mail

Where to find us

Rue De La Montagne, 12
1000 Bruxelles