When Brussels tells stories with medieval light and memory

In the bustling summer atmosphere of Brussels in early July, the center of the Belgian capital suddenly turned into a giant stage, where every step, every drum beat, every ancient costume told the heroic history of the country.

That is Ommegang, one of the most spectacular historical reenactment festivals in Europe. The festival has been recognized by the UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2019.

According to a VNA reporter in Brussels, "Ommegang" in old Dutch means "procession around the city." Originating in the 14th century with religious significance, the festival was a ritual to honor the Virgin Mary of the people of Brussels.

The most important historical milestones took place in 1549, when Emperor Charles V and Prince Philip were solemnly welcomed here by the people of Brussels. From that moment, Ommegang went beyond the religious framework, becoming a living historical symbol of Belgium.

Nearly five centuries later, that mark remains intact, not only in memory but in every step of the festival, when the whole city of Brussels comes together to recreate the past on the very square where it took place.

Flag performance 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 a year. With no modern backdrops or stage effects, Ommegang uses ancient architecture, traditional music and 1,400 volunteers to weave a vivid historical tapestry.

Ms. Lenvain Carine, an elderly Brussels resident, emotionally shared with VNA reporters: “Ommegang is not a performance, but a living memory. It revives the history of this city, and also the history of each Brussels resident like us.”

Next to her, Mr. Reiber Guy - who participated in the festival more than a decade ago - still could not hide his emotions: "When you walk step by step in the procession, you will understand. Every beat of the drum, every step, every look of the audience, all seem to bring us back to Brussels of the 16th century. And every time I participate, no matter in what capacity, I always feel as proud as the first time."

Ommegang is a community festival, but at the same time it is a cultural event of international stature as more and more famous faces from different fields participate in transforming into characters in the procession.

From artists, singers, actors, athletes to politicians, all dressed up in period costumes, immersing themselves in the medieval world, sometimes in roles close to their profession, such as a musician transforming into a court musician, or a politician playing the role of the mayor of ancient Brussels.

Each person brings a unique perspective and energy, contributing to the liveliness, openness and diversity of Ommegang.

The combination of folk and contemporary, between indigenous people and prominent names is the unique feature that makes this festival not just a replica of the past, but also a dialogue between generations and cultures.

Sisters Marie and Lola Flagel, two familiar faces in the procession, shared: “This is the 12th time I have participated. Each time like this is a time to relive folk culture, traditions that seem to have faded. Ommegang is not just a festival, it is a part of our spiritual life.”

Lola pointed to the stage where their father was sitting, adjusting his drums. “That’s my dad. He’s been involved in 60 Ommegangs. Before him, my grandfather and great-grandfather. My whole family has lived through this festival for generations.”

Their father, Vincent Flagel, smiled gently: “Ommegang is a tradition in my family. My grandparents were members of the band, then my parents and now I continue with music, with drums. And as you can see, my children are also marching in the procession today.”

As the lights began to cover the ancient walls, the Grand Place took on the splendor of a glittering palace at night. Each parade entered one by one amidst the sound of trumpets, the thundering drums and the excited applause of thousands of spectators, including many first-time visitors to Brussels.

The climax of the emotion was when the character of Emperor Charles V appeared on horseback in the middle of the square with thunderous cheers and ancient, solemn melodies, making the whole space seem to freeze in the historical moment being recreated.

Each group of actors, dressed in traditional costumes of ancient professions, appeared one after another, such as blacksmiths, merchants, priests, fishermen, guards... Each one brought a color, a rhythm, together in the symphony of Brussels' history. And then, the traditional stilt fighting made the whole stage explode.

Stilt walkers somersaulted and spun in the air to the endless cheers, as if to affirm: heritage is still living and breathing, not only to remember but to inspire.

More than just a performance, Ommegang is living proof of a culture that knows how to preserve and recount itself with pride.

In the digital age, when many festivals only exist through photos and books, Ommegang still lives on, through people, through music, through the breath of the community. And that is what makes UNESCO not only recognize Ommegang as a representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, but also as an inspiring model of community-based heritage conservation.

“We do not reenact the past for nostalgia’s sake,” Vincent Flagel asserted. “We revive it so that the best of history continues to flow through each generation.”

And it is true. In Brussels, Ommegang is not just a story of yesterday, but also a pride of today and a promise for tomorrow. It is the clearest proof that history is alive, not in books but right on the paving stones of this square./.

(TTXVN/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/khi-brussels-ke-chuyen-bang-anh-sang-va-ky-uc-trung-co-post1048221.vnp