
Brussels' Grand Place is packed with spectators, including the Royal Family and their guests, for Ommegang, or "walk about", the major local folklore and heritage event taking place in the city since 1549.
The procession is made up of representatives from the crafts and trades of the city, complete with traditional dress, as well as crossbowmen and their antique weapons. New this year are medieval jousting matches taking place on the Place du Grand Sablon.
If you do want to witness this spectacular event, be warned: spectator places on the Grand Place are limited to 3000. You must book in advance via the Tourist Office. Although the procession only takes place on two days, there is also medieval entertainement to be had on 1 July.
Don't fret, however, if you miss the big event, as the Ommegang pageant occurs in a number of smaller towns throughout the country, and is especially fun in Mechelen.
Related Information
Website: Ommegang Website
| Contact Details | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Information |
| Email: | ommegang-brussels@skynet.be |
| Fax: | +32 (0) 2 502 68 35 |
| Phone: | +32 (0) 2 512 19 61 |
| Phone: | +32(0)2 548 04 58 (tickets) |
| Address: | Ommegang - Brussels Events, 180 rue des Tanneurs, 1000 Brussels |
| Venue Information: | Place du Grand Sablon |
| Full Name: | Place du Grand Sablon,Brussels,Belgium |
| Directions: | Just south of the city centre and the Palais de Justice. By Train: Bruxelles-Chapelle station. By Tram: lines 92, 93 or 94 to the Petit Sablon stop. |
| Other Information: | Place du Grand Sablon |
| Website: | Belgian Railways Website |
| Contact Details | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Information |
| Email: | ommegang-brussels@skynet.be |
| Fax: | +32 (0) 2 502 68 35 |
| Phone: | +32 (0) 2 512 19 61 |
| Phone: | +32(0)2 548 04 58 (tickets) |
| Address: | Ommegang - Brussels Events, 180 rue des Tanneurs, 1000 Brussels |
| Name: | Brussels & Wallonia Tourist Office UK |
| Location: | Belgium |
| Address: | 217 Marsh Wall, London E14 9FJ |
| Email: | info@belgiumtheplaceto.be |
| Phone: | + 44 (0) 207 537 1132 |
| Fax: | + 44 (0) 207 531 0393 |