The Brussels Ommegang, the historical pageant held in the streets of the capital every year, is being celebrated in a new strip album. The album is dedicated to the 1930 Ommegang. That was a symbolic edition, as the event took place in Brussels for the first time in 145 years.
This year, the procession will pass through the streets of Brussels on its way to the city’s historic market square on Wednesday 2 and Friday 4 July, starting at 8.45 p.m. on each occasion.
Starting Wednesday 2 July and running till Saturday 5 July, spectators can also visit the traditional Renaissance village at the Zavel, where medieval jousting and knights in combat can be admired. Visitors also can learn more about medieval crafts
The event commemorates the Joyous Entry of Habsburg Emperor Charles V in Brussels in 1549. Charles V wanted to present his son, the later sovereign Philip II. Since 1930, the religious procession was completely revamped, with some 1,000 participants thronging the streets of the capital every year. Since 2019 the festival has also been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage.
As always, participants are not allowed to wear clothing or accessories that people from the 16th century would not recognise. The popular festival still attracts thousands of spectators every year.
The 46-page strip cartoon takes the reader back to the final preparations for the Ommegang in 1930.