Every year since 1272 – for more than 700 years – the Hanswijk procession has made its way through the streets of Mechelen on the Sunday before Ascension Day. This probably makes it the oldest procession in Belgium. Hanswijk is an old district of Mechelen, where Mary has been venerated since time immemorial and which is also renowned for its fine, imposing Basilica of Our Lady of Hanswijk.
The Hanswijk procession is a fascinating blend of popular and religious traditions, aesthetic and artistic components and the evocation of historical events. Adults will particularly appreciate the drama, music and dance, while children may be especially impressed by the horses, or think the whole thing is a great way of experiencing a history lesson 'live'.
No-one who takes the trouble to come to Mechelen will go away disappointed: there is something to appeal to everyone. Who can fail to enjoy the superb historical costumes that take us back to the time of the dukes of Burgundy with the Knights of the Golden Fleece and the members of the Great Council? Who can be immune to the charm of Margaret of Austria, who enjoyed going hawking with the nobles of the rich Habsburg period? And then there are the artistic gems of past centuries: the reliquary of St Rumbold and the statue of Our Lady of Hanswijk with its brilliant restored cloak and Spanish skirt.
Numerous figures are also brought to life in the Biblical section of the procession: Moses, who would not let the Egyptian Pharaoh stand in his way, Mary, who in all simplicity was willing to become the mother of God's Son, Peter, the forceful but impetuous apostle, Pilate, and the Roman soldiers who put Jesus to death, and the moving encounter between the risen Lord Jesus and Mary Magdalene...
Anyone who has the idea that the Hanswijk procession is just a tedious parade that you watch pass-by is completely mistaken. The scintillating waters of the Dijle ushering in the legendary arrival of the statue of Mary, the numerous choirs, musicians playing heraldic trumpets and other instruments, the dynamic enactment of various scenes through a combination of song, word and dance on and around the floats, the endearing sight of the baby Jesus on the nativity float, the spontaneity of the numerous young participants, the interaction between the children and the sheep, donkeys and horses in the procession ... all of these elements make the Hanswijk procession a captivating occasion which cannot fail to enthral!
"Yes"
The procession's key word is "yes": saying yes to life itself, saying "yes" to the many things of beauty we encounter on our life's journey, but also to the challenges that we face, and finally, saying "yes" to what God asks of us. For, sooner or later, we are all faced with fundamental questions of life: Where do we come from? Who are we? Where are we going? What is the meaning of life?
A captivating event for all!
Anyone with an interest in history will, without a doubt, appreciate the groups depicting the Dukes of Burgundy, Phillip the Good and Charles the Bold, or those from the Habsburg period accompanying Margaret of Austria, all evoking Mechelen's glorious past.
Those with a sharper eye will find something of their own existence in the groups parading past. These groups present, in effect, the archetypes of humanity: the hopeful expecting of a child, the immense joy at the birth of a child, the sadness and questioning in the face of suffering and death... All situations with which we are all familiar in our own lives. There is therefore food for thought and questioning...
Longing for a day out...
... now that spring is nearly upon us and is calling us to get out and about: Are you facinated by historical costumes or biblical imagery? Do you enjoy dynamic spectacles featuring word, song, dance, music or flag-spinning... especially if they convey a message that relates to you personally? Then the Hanswijk Procession in Mechelen on Sunday 14 May 2023 is just the thing for you!
Place:
Mechelen city centre
Programme:
11:00 - 12:00: Solemn Mass in the Hanswijk Basilica celebrated by Cardinal Jozef DE KESEL.
15:00 - 17:00: Hanswijk Procession with closing ceremony in the Hanswijk Basilica.
Route:
Keizerstraat – Veemarkt – Befferstraat – Grote Markt – IJzerenleen – Guldenstraat – Onze-Lieve-Vrouwstraat – Vijfhoek – Hanswijkstraat.
Seating:
Spectators' stands: Veemarkt - Grote Markt - IJzerenleen
Prices:
Places in the stands:
- Veemarkt: 5 euros * 4 euros
- Grote Markt: 7 euros * 5 euros
- IJzerenleen: 5 euros * 4 euros
* prices for groups of a minimum of 20 people.
Ticket sales:
Visit in Mechelen