Hanswijkprocessie
Jaarlijkse Mariale stadsprocessie door Mechelen, editie 2026 in het teken van 'Maria, een kroon' rond 150 jaar pauselijke kroning van Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Hanswijk.
Position Mechelen's Hanswijkprocessie as a pilgrimage destination and cultural heritage event for faith-based tourism and local community engagement around the 150-year anniversary of the papal coronation.
- 150 years of Marian devotion: celebrate the papal coronation anniversary with exclusive processional coverage
- Faith tourism guide: plan your pilgrimage to Mechelen's iconic Hanswijkprocessie
- Local heritage spotlight: how a centuries-old tradition shapes modern Mechelen identity
- Behind the procession: stories of devotion and community from participants and organizers
The Hanswijkprocessie is a centuries-old tradition that takes place on Sunday, 10 May 2026, marking the 150th anniversary of the papal coronation of the Maria of Hanswijk image. This historic-religious procession showcases the early history of Mechelen as the former capital of the Southern Netherlands, featuring a dynamic and colourful spectacle of dancing, singing, and performing groups that appeals to both believers and non-believers. More than a thousand enthusiastic participants in colourful costumes participate, supported by large floats forming the decor for the scenes.
Part 1
"label": "Sunday 10 May 2026 – 14:00",
Part 2
"detail": "Evocation ceremony in Sint-Romboutskathedraal"
Part 3
"label": "Sunday 10 May 2026 – 15:15",
Part 4
"detail": "Procession departure through city streets toward Hanswijk Basilica (route: Grote Markt – Schoenmarkt – Ijzerenleen – Onze-Lieve-Vrouwestraat – Hanswijkstraat)"
Part 5
"label": "Sunday 31 May 2026 – 15:00",
Part 6
"detail": "Jubilee closing concert at Hanswijk Basilica with Vokalis and Connie Neefs"
- 2026 theme "Maria, een kroon" commemorates the papal coronation of the Maria image with a diamond crown 150 years ago
- Historical scenes depicted include the miracle of the boat, the miracle at the Brussels Gate (origin of the annual procession), and the construction of Hanswijk Church
- Evocation ceremony in Sint-Romboutskathedraal at 14:00, followed by procession departure at 15:15 toward the basilica
- The Maria image is dressed in 1876 coronation attire including the metal apron with silver ornaments, festive robe, and golden crown
- Free 4-kilometre photo scavenger hunt for families and schools available 1 May to 19 July
- Jubilee closing concert on 31 May at 15:00 with Vokalis and Connie Neefs