The procession begins with various costumed groups playing out scenes from the Bible.

Procession of the Holy Blood

This annual event is one of the most important rituals in Bruges and you can see it unfold on the city's streets.

Each year on Ascension Day, the Bruges Holy Blood Procession is held. – © Jan Darthet / Visit Bruges

The procession tells the story of the relic of the Holy Blood. – © Jan Darthet / Visit Bruges

The procession through the streets includes choirs, dance groups, horse-drawn floats and animals. – © Jan Darthet / Visit Bruges

Each year on Ascension Day, the Bruges Holy Blood Procession is held. – © Jan Darthet / Visit Bruges

Each year on Ascension Day, the Holy Blood Procession takes place in Bruges in front of huge crowds. If you are in the city at this time of year, it is worth finding a spot to watch the event.

To begin with, members of the clergy, the brotherhoods and various costumed groups play out scenes from the Bible. This is followed by the story of the relic of the Holy Blood, which says that in 1146, during the Second Crusade, Count Thierry of Alsace was able to obtain a few drops of the blood of Christ from the Patriarch of Jerusalem. This precious relic was brought to Bruges in 1150, where it has been venerated ever since in the Basilica of the Holy Blood.

The procession through the streets then includes choirs, dance groups, horse-drawn floats and animals.

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Procession of the Holy Blood

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The Procession of the Holy Blood takes place every year
on Ascension Day.