One of the most popular and colorful folklore events in Belgium is Bruges's Heilig-Bloedprocessie (Procession of the Holy Blood), which dates back to at least 1291 and takes place every year on Ascension Day. During the procession, the bishop of Bruges proceeds through the city streets carrying the golden shrine containing the Relic of the Holy Blood. Residents wearing Burgundian-era and biblical costumes follow the relic, acting out biblical and historical scenes along the way.
Every 3 years the canals of Bruges are the subject and location of a festival called the Reiefeest. This evening event is a combination of historical tableaux, dancing, open-air concerts, and lots of eating and drinking. It takes place on six nonconsecutive days in August. The next Reiefeest is due in 2007.
The Praalstoet van de Gouden Boom (Golden Tree Pageant) recalls the great procession and tournament held in the Markt to celebrate the marriage of the duke of Burgundy, Charles the Bold, to Margaret of York in 1468. It takes place every 5 years or so, in the last half of August, and the next one will be in 2007.
