The UNESCO-recognised Ommegang celebrations return to Brussels, bringing Belgian capital’s Middle Ages splendour back to life. It harks back to a time when the city was among the wealthiest in the world.
With 1,400 actors, folk and historic groups, horses, puppet theatre, giants, flags – the parade and show are part of Brussels folklore. The historic Ommegang of Brussels festival begins this Wednesday 2 July 2025 in Sablon and the Grand-Place, with different activities and festivities going on until Sunday.
The origins of the Ommegang date back to the mid-14th century. It began as procession for Our Lady of the Sablon, organised by the prestigious Great Oath of Crossbowmen, who are (still today) the official defenders of the City of Brussels. The various guilds of the city later joined the procession, turning into a huge social event.
However, many cite the procession 1549 as being the most famous example, which today's celebrations recreate. That year, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V presented his son and heir to the people of Brussels. For this occasion, the city organised the most spectacular Ommegang than ever before.
Credit: Ommegang / Ville de Bruxelles
At the time, Charles V ruled over much of Europe – another empire where "the sun never set". The most influential figure in European politics chose Brussels as his main residence, which made the city thrive in the diplomatic, cultural and artistic domains.
In some ways, it was first tentative steps towards the construction of a united Europe, with Brussels becoming the capital of 500 million Europeans. Every year, Ommegang has aimed to represent the lifeblood of the city with its songs, dances, deep devotion and humour – often surreal.
What's happening?
This year, the main show, parade and crossbow competition will take place on Wednesday 2 and Friday 4 July. The Renaissance market, horse jousting and Renaissance village will also take place from Wednesday, but end on Saturday 5 July.
At 21:00, the Grand-Place show will begin. It is the centrepiece event which bring history back to life through a variety of impressive mediums. In 2025, a storyteller and an illustrator will guide the audience through the centuries. And, as always, a master of ceremonies will play the role of messenger.
Credit: Ommegang / Ville de Bruxelles
There will be singers, orators, famous Belgian personalities and direction by Giles Daoust, who will use sound, light, music and pyrotechnics to recreate the city's medieval splendour. A giant screen will also allow participants to follow the arrival of the procession.
On Wednesday and Friday, the show in the Grand-Place is preceded by the Ommegang parades. A 'pre-parade' will leave the Royal Park at 20:50, passing through the Place des Palais, Rue Royale, Place Royale, Rue de la Régence and Rue Bodenbroek to join the groups of oaths of crossbowmen, archers, harquebuses and fencers in Sablon.
In 1549, Charles V and his infant son arrived to Brussels at 20:25 – which on marks the beginning of the re-enactment of the historical procession. The official parade will start will start at the Sablon (at 20:55) and end at the Grand-Place.
The ‘Brewers Giant’ will also leave the Brasserie de l'Ommegang located rue de la Montagne 4 and will be placed on the barrel of the Ommegang Beer float – in tribute to Charles V's love of beer.
Credit: Ommegang / Ville de Bruxelles
Another medieval tradition of the city, the Crossbow Shooters' competition, will be taking place at the parvis of the Church of Our Lady Sablon at 19:30 on Wedneday and Friday. As is traditional, the winner will enter the Grand-Place during the Ommegang parade with the golden arrow.
It does not get more medieval than the Equestrian Jousting competition, taking place on Wednesday at 12:00 or Friday at 20:00 in Sablon. The show will also feature genuine knightly tournaments in armour, with added ground duels between knights to help plunge the audience back into the Middle Ages.
Credit: Ommegang / Ville de Bruxelles
The Renaissance Market will be open to the public at the Sablon on Saturday 5 July (until 18:00) and Sunday 6 July (until 15:00), which gives revellers an opportunity to discover products from yesteryear made by passionate artisans.
The Renaissance Village in the Sablon district will also see craftsmen living as they did in days gone by reveal the secrets of their trades, such as surgery, barbering, blacksmithing and ironwork.
Aside from the main show in the Grand-Place, where ticket prices start at €55, all other events are free.
A bilingual programme (French-Dutch) will be on sale on the evening of the performances for €5. Access is via the various streets indicated on the admission tickets.
The show will go ahead in the event of rain. Umbrellas are prohibited under Belgian safety regulations. Organisers therefore recommend bringing waterproof clothing.
