"Brugges' Schoonste Dag" (The Most Beautiful Day in Bruges)
In 2011, I saw the Procession of the Holy Blood which takes place in Bruges on Ascension Day, and dates back to 1303. It re-enacts parts of the Old Testament, the life of Jesus, and the history of Bruges.
In particular, it celebrates the relic of the Holy Blood of Jesus, which was carried to Bruges by Thierry d’Alsace, Count of Flanders, from Jerusalem after the second Crusade in 1150. This is a shot of the actor playing Thierry d'Alsace, returning from the Crusades and holding the relic of the Holy Blood. Many church relics are carried through the streets during the procession. The whole experience was a heady mix of religion, livestock, music, history and dancing!
