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Every year since 1272 – for more than 700 years – the Hanswijk procession has made its way through the streets of Mechelen on the Sunday before Ascension Day. This probably makes it the oldest procession in Belgium. Hanswijk is an old district of Mechelen, where Mary has been venerated since time immemorial: it is also notable for the fine, imposing Basilica of Our Lady of Hanswijk.
"Yes"
The procession's key word is "yes": saying yes to life itself, saying "yes" to the many things of beauty that we encounter on our way, but also to the challenges that we face, and finally, saying "yes" to what God asks of us.
An attractive day out for young and old alike
The procession is a colourful ode to that "yes", a festival in which some 2,000 participants, around 20 floats, more than 100 horses and numerous musicians, choirs and dance groups provide a fascinating, whirling spectacle lasting an hour and a half. It's an attractive and captivating day out for young and old alike.
