Brussels, July 2, 2025 — The Europe Today: The UNESCO-recognised Ommegang festival has returned to Brussels, reviving the city’s medieval splendour with a grand celebration commemorating its historical and cultural legacy .
Running from July 2 to July 5, the festival takes place in the Sablon district and culminates with spectacular shows on July 2 and 4 at the Grand‑Place. The celebrations feature a majestic parade with around 1,400 participants, including folk groups, knights, horses, giants, puppet theatre, flag bearers, and archers, recreating the legendary 1549 procession held when Emperor Charles V introduced his son, the future Philip II, to Brussels.
Highlights of the festival:
- Historical Parade & Show: The procession starts at 20:50 from Royal Park and Sablon, ending at Grand-Place, followed by a dramatic evening spectacle blending storytelling, live illustration, music, lighting, and pyrotechnics—all directed by Giles Daoust.
- Crossbow Competition: At 19:30 in front of Notre‑Dame du Sablon, rival guilds compete, with the winner awarded the “Golden Arrow” and marching into the Grand‑Place.
- Equestrian Jousting & Tournaments: Knightly duels and mounted jousting in Sablon on July 2 and 4.
- Renaissance Market & Village: Artisan demonstrations, medieval crafts, barbering, blacksmithing, and more at the Sablon open from July 2–5, plus market stalls extending to July 6.
Ticketed grand shows in the Grand‑Place start at €55, though most festivities remain free to the public. A bilingual French‑Dutch evening programme is available for €5. Note: while the events proceed rain or shine, umbrellas are prohibited—attendees are advised to bring waterproof attire.
Rooted in a 14th‑century Marian procession and revived as a grand pageant in 1930, Ommegang has grown into a vibrant, living cultural celebration. Since 2019, it has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List as a Masterpiece of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
This year’s edition also pays homage to Belgium’s folk traditions and international outreach. Notably, “Brewers’ Giant” from rue de la Montagne joins the festivities atop the Ommegang beer float—a nod to Charles V’s reputed fondness for beer.
Experience history from July 2 to 5 across Sablon and Grand‑Place—immerse yourself in Brussels’ Renaissance revival and medieval grandeur.
