In Brussels in early July, amidst the vibrant summer atmosphere, the heart of the Belgian capital transforms into a giant stage, where every step, every drumbeat, every traditional costume recounts the glorious history of the nation.
That is Ommegang, one of Europe's most spectacular historical reenactment festivals. The festival was recognized by the United Nations Educational , Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2019.
According to the VNA correspondent in Brussels, "Ommegang" in Old Dutch means "procession around the city." Originating in the 14th century with religious significance, the festival was once a ritual of devotion to the Virgin Mary by the people of Brussels.
The most significant historical events occurred in 1549, when Emperor Charles V and Prince Philip were given a grand welcome by the people of Brussels. From that moment, Ommegang transcended religious boundaries, becoming a vibrant historical symbol of Belgium.
Nearly five centuries later, that imprint remains intact, not only in memory but in every step of the festival, as the entire city of Brussels comes together to recreate the past in the very square where it took place.
A flag display at the Ommegang festival. (Photo: Huong Giang/VNA)
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Grand Place – the heart of Brussels – transforms into a legendary stage for just two nights each year. Without modern backdrops or special effects, Ommegang utilizes its ancient architecture, traditional music , and 1,400 volunteer citizens to weave a vibrant tapestry of history.
Lenvain Carine, an elderly Brussels resident, emotionally shared with a VNA reporter: “Ommegang is not a performance, but a living memory. It brings back to life the history of this city, and also the history of each and every one of us Brussels residents.”
Beside her, Reiber Guy, who had participated in the festival more than a decade ago, could not hide his emotion: “When you take each step in the procession, you understand. Every drum beat, every step, every gaze of the spectators, it all takes us back to Brussels of the 16th century. And every time I participate, no matter what role I play, I always feel as proud as the first time.”
Ommegang is a community festival, but it is also a cultural event of international significance, with an increasing number of famous people from various fields participating and dressing up as characters in the procession.
From artists, singers, actors, and athletes to politicians, everyone dons period costumes, immersing themselves in the medieval world, sometimes taking on roles closely related to their profession, such as a musician transforming into a court musician, or a politician playing the mayor of Brussels in the old days.
Each person brings their own perspective and energy, contributing to Ommegang's vibrant, open, and diverse nature.
The blend of folk and contemporary, of indigenous people and prominent figures, is what makes this festival unique—not just a replica of the past, but a dialogue between generations and cultures.
Sisters Marie and Lola Flagel, two familiar faces in the procession, shared: “This is my 12th time participating. Each time is a resurgence of folk culture, traditions that seemed to have faded away. Ommegang is not just a festival, it is a part of our spiritual life.”
Lola pointed towards the stage, where her father was adjusting the drums: “That’s my dad. He’s been involved in 60 seasons of Ommegang. Before him were my grandfather and great-grandfather. My whole family has lived with this festival for generations.”
Their father, Vincent Flagel, smiled kindly: “Ommegang is a family tradition. My grandparents were members of the marching band, then my parents, and now I am continuing the tradition with music, with drums. And as you can see, my children are also marching in the procession today.”
As the lights began to illuminate the ancient walls, the Grand Place donned the splendor of a magnificent palace in the night. Processions marched in one after another amidst the pounding of brass instruments, the resounding beat of drums, and the enthusiastic applause of thousands of spectators, many of whom were first-time visitors to Brussels.
The emotional climax came when Emperor Charles V, on horseback, appeared in the square amidst resounding cheers and the solemn, ancient melodies of the past, causing the entire space to freeze in this historically significant moment.
Groups of actors, dressed in costumes representing ancient professions such as blacksmiths, merchants, priests, fishermen, and guards, appeared one after another. Each brought their own color and rhythm, all blending together in a symphony of Brussels history. And then, the traditional stilt-walking competition brought the entire stage to a frenzy.
The stilt walkers somersaulted and spun in the air amidst continuous cheers, a testament to the fact that the heritage is still alive and breathing, not just for remembrance but also for inspiration.
More than just a performance, Ommegang is living proof of a culture that knows how to preserve and tell its story with utmost pride.
In the digital age, when many festivals only exist through photographs and books, Ommegang remains alive, through its people, its music, and the very breath of its community. And it is this very fact that led UNESCO not only to recognize Ommegang as a Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, but also as an inspiring model for community-based heritage preservation.
Vincent Flagel asserted: “We are not reenacting the past for the sake of nostalgia. We are reviving it so that the best of history continues to flow through generations.”
And indeed, in Brussels, Ommegang is not just a story of the past, but also a source of pride today and a promise for the future. It is the clearest proof that history is still alive, not in books, but right on every cobblestone of this square.
(VNA/Vietnam+)
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/khi-brussels-ke-chuyen-bang-anh-sang-va-ky-uc-trung-co-post1048221.vnp
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