the Ommegang
The origins of the Ommegang date back to the middle of the 14th century. Initially, it was a procession in honour of Notre-Dame du Sablon, organized by the Grand Serment des Arbalétriers (Grand Oath of the crossbowmen). Very soon, the city’s various constituted bodies joined the procession, which then became, above all, a fashionable procession. The 1549 procession was one of the most famous examples of this type of event. In that year, the Emperor Charles V presented his son and successor, the future King Philip II, to our regions. To mark the occasion, every city did its utmost to show off its best side. Brussels honours this tradition by organizing an Ommegang that is more resplendent than ever.
Wednesday 2 and Friday 4 July 2025
Guests 2025
Every year, the Ommegang brings history back to life, but always in a new light. In 2025, a select duo will guide the public through the centuries: a storyteller of words and a storyteller of images. One will echo the tales of yesteryear, the other will draw them live, giving the event a dimension at the crossroads of word and pencil.
And, as always, our master of ceremonies will play the role of the message-bearer.
- The Master of Ceremonies
Thomas De Bergeyck
- The Herald
Philippe Boxho
- The Cartoonist
Thomas Liera
The Heralds
The Ommegang has the honour of inviting an exceptional personality to take on the role of the Herald, the officer-at-arms charged with preparing solemn publications and carrying important messages.
- 2024
Josiane Balasko
- 2023
Axelle Red
- 2022
François Berléand
- 2019
Natacha Régnier
- 2018
Frédéric Diefental
- 2015
Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt
- 2014
Francis Huster
- 2013
Jacques Weber
- 2012 & 2017
Stéphane Bern
- 2011
Jean-Pierre Castaldi
The Cartoonists
The 9th art invites itself to the Ommegang with the presence of cartoonists who sketch the highlights of the procession live. Their pencil strokes capture the energy, costumes and emotion of the moment, offering an artistic and contemporary take on this age-old secular tradition.
Through their illustrations, the Ommegang comes to life on paper, weaving a living link between heritage and graphic creation.
- 2024
Johan De Moor
- 2023
duBus
- 2022
Nicolas Vadot
- 2019
Dany
- 2018
Pierre Kroll
The Personalities
Every year, the Ommegang welcomes personalities from all walks of life to join the procession and play roles related to their particular profession or world. Whether they are artists, actors, singers or political figures, each one contributes his or her own sensitivity and perspective to the heart of this historical reconstruction.
P. Tommy Scholtes
- Spokesman for the Bishops of Belgium
Didier Reynders
- Former European Commissioner for Justice
Alain Courtois
- Former Senator and First Alderman of the City of Brussels
Annie Cordy
- Singer and actress
Faouzia Hariche
- Alderman for Youth in the City of Brussels
Dominique Corbiau
- Countertenor
Le Grand Jojo
- Singer
Pyronix
- Artists – Fire and Pyrotechnic Shows
Thomas de Bergeyck
- Belgian Journalist and Presenter of the Programme Place Royale
Gérald Watelet
- Journalist, Presenter, Fashion Designer, and Chef
Delphine Houba
- Alderman for Tourism and Major Events, in the City of Brussels
Patrick Weber
- Historian, Journalist, Screenwriter, Producer, and Novelist
Karine Lalieux
- Federal Minister for Pensions and Social Integration
Janelle Vannes
- Actress & Orator 2023
Alain Tillière
- Mayor of the Free Commune of the Sacred Islet
G. Coomans de Brachène
- Member of the Brussels Parliament
Ozark Henry
- Introductory song for Ommegang 2016
The Orators
The Ommegang orators are there to bring the spectacle to life. They tell the story of what is happening on the Grand-Place, introducing the groups, characters and highlights of the procession. Thanks to their words, the audience can understand what they are seeing and can let themselves be carried away by the story.
Bert Kruismans
A Flemish comedian, he has managed to win over the whole of Belgium, sharing his humour from the north to the south of the country. This character, who wears many hats, will be with us to perform the English version of the Ommegang.
Jo Lemaire
Jo Lemaire, a renowned Belgian singer, has been the Ommegang's Dutch language orator for many years. Her warm voice and unwavering loyalty have made her an emblematic figure in this Brussels traditional event.
The Singers
The Ommegang singers add a real dimension to the show. Their music accompanies every highlight, immersing the audience in the atmosphere of the period. Their voices bring history to life, resonating in the heart of the Grand-Place.
Isabelle Everarts de Velp
Sébastien Romignon Ercolini
The Stage direction
For more than 15 years, Giles Daoust has been responsible for the staging and the sound and lighting of the Ommegang in the Grand-Place in Brussels. Thanks to the lighting, pyrotechnic effects and music composed especially for the event, the Square will be lit up and come alive every evening of the show.
A giant screen allows the public, whether seated or standing, to follow the arrival of the procession live, down to the smallest detail.