Ommegang Pageant

The Ommegang Pageant is the yearly celebration of a medieval tradition.

 Sander de Wilde
printed on Giclée Hahnemühle German Etching

Young actors taking a break at this cultural event in Brussels.

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.

Open Edition print 35.4 cm x 51.0 cm, 13.9 inches x 20.1 inches

XL Limited Edition print 44.1 cm x 64.0 cm, 17.3 inches x 25.2 inches