European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - May 02, 1991, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Festivals highlight Bruges tourist season spectators and marchers pack City Hall Square for the annual pageant of the Golden tree. By David Tarrant Brussels bureaus ring Marks the Start of the festival season in Belgium and presents a Good Opportunity to experience some of the country s religious and Folk traditions. A a great place to see some of the centuries old processions and open air spectacles is Bruges one of the most important cities of medieval Europe. R the first of the Bruges festivals is the procession of the holy blood. This is a sacred procession held annually in May on ascension Day which this year Falls on May 9. The elaborate and colourful procession which revolves around Tesho Wingo a relic of the holy blood of Christ to the Public continues a Bruges custom that is almost 800 years old. According to legend Back in 1146, when Jerusalem was in imminent danger of the advancing turkish army St. Bernard de Clervaux organized a crusade to the City. In gratitude the King of Jerusalem gave him a gift a few drops of the blood of Christ which he carried Back to Bruges. Sas map the town s Chapel of the holy blood has held the relic for centuries showing it Olf at regular intervals to the Public. The event eventually evolved into an omm gang or procession. E this month s procession will carry on that tradition. Historical and religious events Are depicted acted out spoken and Sung in a series of colourful banners figures and floats. The Parade includes the count of Flanders and his Entov rage As Well As Many of the local townspeople and a choir. In August Bruges plays Host to another fest the pageant of the Golden tree. This procession is held Only once every five years and this year occurs on aug. 18 and 23. It involves More than 100 clubs totalling 2,000 participants numerous bands choirs horse riders and floats As Well As people dressed As giants and mythological animals. A a a. The Parade has its roots in an event More than 500 years old. When Charles the bold Duke of Burgundy and count of Flanders married Princess Margaret of York at Bruges in 1460, the festivities were Long and sumptuous. The event came to be known As the Coudon Boom or Golden tree after the Symbol of the tournament with which the knights of the Golden fleece closed the festivities. _ _ _ _ ii a third popular event is an antique fair held nov. 1-11 and featuring a selection of the Best of belgian and foreign antique dealers. _ Only genuine Antiques a including furniture icons silverware and Art a Are offered for Sale. The fair is in the Hall Zalem in the Bell  centuries ago Bruges was a thriving Commerce Lal port a rendezvous Point for merchants from All across Europe. Nowadays it is tourists from All Over the world who converge on this City and a Bright Spring Day is an Ideal time to join them. Bruges is As Well known for its Beauty As it is for its historic significance. With Spring s return Long boats of burnished Wood have begun gliding again through the canal closed during the Winter. The fallen Brown leaves have scattered replaced by fresh Green grass. Bright red and yellow tulips seem to have made a instantaneous comeback it Bobbing in the wind like newly hatched Birds straining for food. Shops of lace have thrown open their doors to throngs of eager customers while Long lines have started forming again in front of snack stands Selling aromatic belgian waffles. A a. V a a. Add this to the City s festivals and it All adds up to an i Opportunity to see one of Europe s most Beautiful cities at its finest while learning about its past. Reserved seating Tor the procession of the holy blood cost3 250 belgian francs about $7 otherwise there is no admission charge. Reserved seals for the pageant of the Golden tree Are 250-600 belgian francs otherwise there is no admission charge. Admission for the International antique fair is 250 belgian francs. For More information on any of these events Contact the Bruges tourism office Tel. 050-448686 if calling from outside Belgium be sure to add the country code from where you Are calling. A a a two riders dressed in medieval garb carry the vial supposedly containing the holy blood of Christ. N Mayji 1991 stripes Magazine