Procession of the Holy Blood

The conopeum

The Procession of the Holy Blood (Dutch: Heilig Bloedprocessie) is a large religious procession, dating back to the Middle Ages, which takes place each Ascension Day in Bruges, Belgium.

The centerpiece is the Blood of Jesus, a coagulated relic said to become fluid again each year on this day. Sixty to one hundred thousand spectators watch the procession, a parade of historical scenes and biblical stories. Choirs, dance groups (e.g. dance theatre Aglaja), animals (ranging from geese to camels), horse-drawn floats and small plays with many actors pass by within a couple of hours. More than 3,000 people participate in the spectacle, which is also called "Brugges Schoonste Dag" (Dutch for "The Most Beautiful Day in Bruges"). The event retains its spiritual aspect, as many bishops, priests and nuns from all over the world come to celebrate. When the Holy Blood passes by, the crowd becomes still and silent in reverence. The event is protected by the UNESCO as part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

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