Bruges-The Holly Blood Procession

Every year on Ascension Day since 1291 the procession of the Holy Blood makes Bruges a very special place to be. President Brubaker decided to include Ascension Day in Bruges as part of our Leadership Council Meeting. We all met in Gent for Leadership Meeting, and then we all came by train to Bruges, only 1/2 hour away.

The Roman Soldiers

Half the parade is reptresenting scenes from the old and New Testament iterpreted by guild, trades, brotherhoods and chambers of rhetoric from the burgundain period. The second part of the procession is devoted to the relic of the blood of Jesus brought to Bruges by Derrick of Alsace, Count of Flanders after the second crusade in 1150. Ever since, the precious relic has been kept in the basilica of the Holy Blood at the burg square. Carried around once a year by two prelates in a golden shrine and worshipped in this procession by the members of the noble brotherhood of the Holy Blood.

Moses and the Ten Commandments.

Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus.

Joseph's Coat of Many Colors.

Christ carrying the cross.

The children of Israel.

The missionaries had their own personal tour guide, for a short time before the procession started.