The Holy Blood paraded through the city; Photo Courtesy Holy Blood
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Procession of the Holy Blood
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When:
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May 2009 (annual)
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Where:
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Bruges
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| Costs: |
Free
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| Opening Hours: |
2.30pm
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The elaborate Procession of the Holy Blood through Bruges celebrates one of Belgium's sacred relics. The event has been taking place since 1150, when the Count of Flanders appeared with a stained cloth, allegedly used to wipe Christ's wounds.
Usually housed in the Bruges cathedral, the holy relic is paraded around the town with great ceremony. The day includes a series of tableaux, performed around the Grand Place, re-enacting religious and historical moments. The return of the Count of Flanders is performed to commemorate the importance of the Holy Blood in Bruges' heritage.
Even if you are sceptical as to the origin of the relic itself, the surrounding events remain a colourful evocation of local history.
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