Ascension Day in Brugge

My husband, Ernest, and I were in Brugge, Belgium, on May 29, 2014, which was Ascension Day in the city. 

Brugge has celebrated the day with a parade since 1392. It is said to be a reenactment of the Passion and Resurrection of Christ. The town essentially closes, bleachers are erected in a main square, rented chairs line the streets and the town heaves with tourists.

Purportedly, a bit of Christ’s blood is kept in a special container in a chapel next to City Hall. The container is removed, placed in a special carrying case and carried in the procession. 

We enjoyed watching marching bands but were puzzled by the pageantry and costumes of the official participants. We watched a lengthy melange of various Bible stories, featuring Adam & Eve, Egyptian pharaohs, etc., and mythical reenactments, with people in medieval costumes and knights in armor, plus young girls in flowing white dresses, marching bands, horseback riders, camels, donkeys, a flock of live sheep, etc.   

The parade was a religious event but had a definite festive air. Souvenir and chocolate shops were open (of course), but the “regular” shops and stores were closed for the day.

RUTH ANDERSON

Las Cruces, NM