>
Ghent
>
Various
>
Procession of Emperor Charles and the noose bearers: A bit of history during the Ghent Festivities
Various

Procession of Emperor Charles and the noose bearers: A bit of history during the Ghent Festivities

26juli
Ghent, East Flanders, Belgium

Description

The procession of Emperor Charles and the noose bearers commemorates the public humiliation of the Ghent notable citizens by Emperor Charles V in May 1540.

In Medieval times, Ghent was a prosperous city thanks to the cloth industry and trade. That changed in the 16th century, when the city was hit by an economic recession. During the Ghent revolt, the citizens of Ghent committed lèse-majesté and refused to pay taxes imposed by the emperor. Emperor Charles personally came to Ghent to resolve the matter. 25 participants in the revolt were sentenced to death. The emperor was not satisfied with the defence put forward by the city’s leaders and accused the city of disloyalty, sedition, mutiny and disobedience. The city lost all its privileges and freedoms. 

On 3 May 1540, the Ghent citizens were subjected to total humiliation. They were marched through the streets from the town hall to Prinsenhof, the emperor’s palace. The procession consisted of the aldermen, clerks and all civil servants, 30 notable citizens and the deans of guilds, barefoot and dressed in black robes. They were followed by 318 members of smaller craftsmen guilds and 50 weavers. The procession was closed by 50 ‘creesers’ (screechers), dressed in white robes and carrying a hangman’s noose around their necks, as a sign that they deserved to hang. Once they had arrived at Prinsenhof, they had to beg the emperor for mercy. 

Ever since, the citizens of Ghent have been nicknamed “stroppendragers” or “noose bearers”, as a symbol of resistance against tyranny and misplaced authority. During the annual procession, the emperor is booed and the noose bearers are applauded. 

The Castle of the Counts – Sint-Veerleplein – Kraanlei – Zuivelbrug – Grootkanonplein – Vrijdagmarkt – Kammerstraat – Belfortstraat – Botermarkt – Emile Braunplein – Klein Turkije – Korenmarkt – Groentenmarkt – Vleeshuishuisbrug – Sint-Veerleplein – The Castle of the Counts

Are you driving to Ghent? First check whether you may enter the city centre with your vehicle. Clean vehicles may enter the city centre free of charge, polluting vehicles have to pay. Is your vehicle allowed to enter, but do you not have a Belgian or Dutch number plate? You will ALWAYS have to register!

11 Pictures

+8Pictures

Suggested events

The Ghent Festivities: Ghent Festivities: 10 days when the city goes wild
Until28jul.
+1
Ghent|Music & Concert, Nightlife
A sparkling cultural popular festival with numerous performances of various national and international artists: a unique event in Europe, thanks to the varied and free offer of (music) performances, (street)theatre, exhibitions, animation for children, fairs, parades and so much more! The Ghent Festivities are among the biggest popular festivals in Europe and have been recognised as Flemish intangible heritage. You can attend concerts and performances all across town. You won’t go hungry or thirsty thanks to the many food and drink stalls. Over the course of ten days, thousands of people come to Ghent. Some of the crowd pullers include the Bal 1900 dance party, the International Puppet Buskers Festival, the International Street Theatre Festival, Baudelopark… Go to the website to view the full programme. [https://gentsefeesten.stad.gent/en] A lot of squares, streets and parks in the Ghent city centre host a variety of performances during the Ghent Festivities. Well-known national artists as well as simple street performers, everyone gets a chance to perform their act. These locations are the places to be if you want to breathe in the atmosphere of the Ghent Festivities.  You can only go up the tower of St Bavo’s Cathedral during the Ghent Festivities. Negotiate the stairs and enjoy the magnificent view of this unique party for the people in the heart of Ghent. At other times of the year, you can enjoy the most beautiful view of Ghent from directly beneath the golden dragon, Ghent’s mascot, on the Belfry tower  [https://visit.gent.be/en/see-do/ghent-belfry-world-heritage]opposite. From there you can continue exploring the heart of Ghent. Anything goes. Everything comes to an end, and then it’s clean-up time. After ten days of revelry, the municipal sanitation department pulls out all the stops to restore Ghent to its usual spic-and-span state. This takes approximately 3 days, so you should take this into account if you visit Ghent just after the Festivities week.  See all event locations in the Ghent Festivity Zone Are you driving to Ghent? First check whether you may enter the city centre with your vehicle. Clean vehicles may enter the city centre free of charge, polluting vehicles have to pay. Is your vehicle allowed to enter, but do you not have a Belgian or Dutch number plate? You will ALWAYS have to register!
The Patershol festivities: Neighbourhood street party in Patershol
09aug.
-
11aug.
Ghent|Music & Concert
The oldest quarter of Ghent organises its own mini festivities, displaying maximal atmosphere and ambiance. For amateurs of more intimate events. During the Patershol festivities you can enjoy street entertainment, performances and exhibitions. On Sunday, there is a large flea market. The “kaarskensstoet” parade concludes the festival weekend. You can try these typical dishes from Ghent at the Patershol festivities: Are you driving to Ghent? First check whether you may enter the city centre with your vehicle. Clean vehicles may enter the city centre free of charge, polluting vehicles have to pay. Is your vehicle allowed to enter, but do you not have a Belgian or Dutch number plate? You will ALWAYS have to register!
To your health!: The quest for a long, healthy and happy life
Until27apr. 2025
Ghent|Various
Since time immemorial, mankind has been looking for eternal life. This exhibition in the House of Alijn takes you on a journey of discovery through the aids we used in the 20th and 21st centuries in the hope of achieving a long, healthy and happy life. Every day, we come across all kinds of advice to take better care of ourselves, both physically and mentally. Throughout the ages, the ideas about this topic have changed, and science, the government, the media and advertising have come to play a bigger role. This exhibition will tell you all about it. Families with children aged 5 to 12 can go on a special family tour of the exhibition. Are you driving to Ghent? First check whether you may enter the city centre with your vehicle. Clean vehicles may enter the city centre free of charge, polluting vehicles have to pay. Is your vehicle allowed to enter, but do you not have a Belgian or Dutch number plate? You will ALWAYS have to register!
Kunstpromenade Portus Ganda: Art market at idyllic marina
01sep.
Ghent|Various
If you think you have to descend to Paris for an idyllic art market, you are wrong. Countless creative Ghent residents exhibit their works along the banks of Portus Ganda every year. You can enjoy a rich array of glass art, ceramics, pen drawings, jewellery, sculptures and creations from many other disciplines. Aiming for a work of art as a souvenir or just strolling along all this beauty? The choice is yours. Discover the arty side of Ghent and be surprised by the lively atmosphere and beautiful surroundings of the Portus Ganda [https://visit.gent.be/en/see-do/portus-ganda] marina.
Foire du Midi
Until18aug.
Anderlecht|Various
********** Français ********** VIVEZ VOS RÊVES D’ENFANT ! L’occasion de passer des moments marquants en famille ou entre amis et de se reconnecter aux plaisirs qui rassemblent petits et grands depuis des générations, apportant cet air de vacances tant attendu par les Belges et les touristes. Et c’est bien sur cette tonalité de rêves d’enfant que la Foire du Midi entend prendre ses quartiers. cette année. D’une part parce que la Foire, fidèle d’année en année, a cette capacité à faire remonter à la surface des souvenirs d’enfance teintés de douce nostalgie, tout en en créant de nouveaux, rassemblant toutes les générations. ********** Nederlands ********** LEEF JE KINDERDROMEN! De gelegenheid om memorabele momenten door te brengen met familie of vrienden en opnieuw verbinding te maken met de genoegens die jong en oud al generaties lang samenbrengen, waardoor die langverwachte vakantiesfeer voor Belgen en toeristen wordt gebracht. En het is precies in deze toon van kinderdromen dat de Zuidfoor dit jaar haar intrek neemt. Enerzijds omdat de kermis, jaar na jaar trouw, het vermogen heeft om jeugdherinneringen vol zoete nostalgie naar boven te halen, terwijl er tegelijkertijd nieuwe herinneringen worden gecreëerd die alle generaties samenbrengen.
TANGO workshop for beginners + Debutant Milonga
26jul.
-19:00
Schaerbeek - Schaarbeek|Various
Dance and art lovers, come and end our TANGO BE FEVER exhibition with us ! On the program for this captivating evening: -7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.: Introduction to Tango Immerse yourself in the passionate and intoxicating world of Argentine tango! Solo or in a duo, let yourself be guided by the sensual rhythms and learn the steps of this improvised dance. -8:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.: Beginners’ mini-ball Rock the floor with your new dance moves! A festive and warm atmosphere awaits you to prolong the magic of this initiation.
After Poelaert • UMI PRESENTS Gescu, Max Sprauer B2B Chavez, Venard, Zouzibabe
27jul.
-22:30
Brussels|Various
TICKETS: ▔▔▔▔▔ Combi tickets (Open Air Poelaert + Afterparty) on our website Wave 1 = 17.99€ Wave 2 = 19.99€ After Poelaert presales (Afterparty only): on our website 15.99€ Limited regular tickets will be available at the doors 10.00€ before 12AM 18.00€ after 12AM LOCATION: ▔▔▔▔▔ UMI - Rue du Marché aux Fromages 10, 1000 Bruxelles Doors open at 10:30PM 21+ OUR VALUES: ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ UMI stands against any form of discrimination and harassment & aims to provide a safer space for everyone. All identities, gender, sexuality & bodies are welcome. Always seek for consent. Be respectful & take care of each other. Be mindful of your consumption & be safe. If you’re in need of any assistance, our Care Team will be there for you. You’ll find our helpdesk in the chillroom (1st floor). CONTACT: ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ info@umibrussels.art
Fuse presents: Dure Vie night w/ Camion Bazar & Olympe4000
27jul.
-23:00
Brussels|Various
→ Tickets - fuse.be/jul-27 __________ → At Fuse, we want an inclusive and respectful environment. Wanna be heard? Talk to a member of our Awareness Team inside the club or message us at letusknow@fuse.be. → A ticket does not guarantee your entrance, as security has the right not to let you in. __________ www.fuse.be → No camera flash - Respect the vibe → We prohibit all forms of violence, racism or sexism. If you feel or observe any such situation, please address it directly to our staff or security member. → Lockers cost €2. Bring a coin and skip the line. → Sell your ticket safely? Only via ticketswap.com
Fuse
UMI Open Air • Poelaert
27jul.
-14:00
Brussels|Various
Since the opening last October in the heart of Brussels, UMI has been shaking up the nightlife scene with over 80 unforgettable parties since our grand Opening Weekender, with collectives & international promoters like Sunwaves Festival, Brussels Calling, Queer Future Club, Breaxx, Underwaffle & many others. The new club had become the ultimate destination for minimal and groovy music lovers. At UMI, we are committed to creating an inclusive and safe environment for everyone. We stand firmly against any form of discrimination and strive to make our nights a safer space for all.
Place Poelaert - Poelaertplein