Procession of the Holy Blood Bruges unpacks with new costumes

During the annual tradition, which dates back to 1304, more than 1,800 extras give shape to various scenes. This involves singing, dancing and street theatre. A group of 250 volunteers spend months preparing for the procession.

This year some new costumes are provided. “For example, the crusaders and horsemen of the opening group can be seen in new outfits. The group of Bruges citizens is expanding its clothing collection with fifty new items, for women, men and children.

The costumes are made in our own costume workshop. The most eye-catching will be the new crib wagon: the previous wagon was almost fifty years old. “The new manger will be a super deluxe item for baby Jesus and his parents,” says general coordinator Matthieu Clarysse.

With the ‘Holy Blood Procession inclusive 2025’ project, the organization aims to be as inclusive and accessible as possible for spectators by 2025. “The course is divided into five zones,” says Jolien Smis, choreographer and inclusion manager. “In every zone, assistance is available for people with disabilities.”

In addition, the Procession of the Holy Blood works with the Heritage app. Via this app, blind and visually impaired, deaf and hard of hearing people can also follow the procession for free via audio description or with subtitled films in Flemish sign language. New is that the app is available in several languages ​​this year.

Live broadcast

The Procession of the Holy Blood will take place on Thursday 18 May and will start in the Dijver at 2.30 pm. You can follow everything live online and on TV at Focus and WTV from 3 pm. Jeroen Vercruysse and An-Sofie Bessemans comment.