THE PROCESSION OF THE HOLY BLOOD
1 ste MAY 2008

According to legend, Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus, took some of Christ’s blood and preserved it while washing His body after the descent from the cross. In 1203, during the 4th crusade, the imperial city of Constantinople was taken by the crusaders and Baldwin IX, Count of Flanders, became the new emperor. At that time there were a number of relics in Constantinople connected with the suffering of Christ. It is likely that some of those relics were sent to Flanders by the Count. There is an old legend that Derrick of Alsace, the Count of Flanders, brought the relic of the Holy Blood of Christ to the Basilius chapel on the Burg on April 7th 1150.

The relic consists of coagulated blood kept in a rock-crystal flask, obviously cut the way they did in Constantinople during the 12th century. From 1303 this relic was carried around the city walls in what was known as the HOLY BLOOD PROCESSION. In this official event, guildsmen, artisans, marksmen, city councilors and especially the clergy were involved.

This event will take place on 1st of May 2008 at 2:30pm - 6pm

For Further Information you can call Toerism Bruges at 050/44.86.86

Don't miss out on this event! See here our photos

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