Procession of the Holy Blood - Bruges

I have never seen the procession and had never even heard of it until arriving years ago in Bruges on that special day to find not a single hotel room available anywhere in town. Taught us a valuable lesson.

We went several years ago. Didn't go because of the Procession but took advantage of the fact that it was there. It was kinda neat. Not the Rose Bowl Parade, but very interesting. My wife just reminded me how interesting it was. We followed along in our program and it made quite a lot of sense. A few pointers - Brugge is in Flanders and the language is Flemish. But on that day of the year the language in Bruges is French. I would say that the vast bulk of visitors for the Procession are French. It is very important to them and they come by the dozens of coach loads. Thousand and thousands. Brugge, which gets busy all the time anyway is absolutely heaving. Get to your seat early, and take drinks. There is no shade. Best advice, get the program so you understand what's happening. I took dozens of photos - had a really good time.

Thanks, Nigel. That's very helpful. We too just happen to be there that day. I'd never heard of it. Should be interesting!

A number of restaurants along the route will set up chairs on the sidewalk and sell you the right to sit there. Buy your seat in the morning when they're setting up and come back a little early just to be sure. It's a great way to meet people. The procession is well worth seeing.

Sorry I am no help to your question but when I was there in May 09 there was a noon service where you could go up to the vial and place your hands over with time for a prayer. Then you could go into the attached museum in the church for a close up look at the religious item they carry the vial through the streets for this procession. It was a highlight in Bruges.