Marche Saint-Roch de Thuin
UNESCO-folkloremars van de Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse met geweersalvo's (campes), fakkeloptocht en de afdaling van het Sint-Rochusbeeld.
ⓘ Recurring event. The 2026 date is the usual window; confirm the exact date closer to the event.
Position this UNESCO-recognized folklore procession as an authentic cultural heritage experience for European heritage tourists and local community engagement during May.
- Discover the centuries-old Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse rifle salute tradition at Marche Saint-Roch
- UNESCO folklore march: witness the sacred descent of the Saint-Roch statue and torch-lit procession
- Plan your May pilgrimage to Belgium's most unique cultural festival—rifle fire, torches, and living history
A UNESCO-recognised folkloric procession where the ramparts of Thuin come alive to the sound of drums. Part of the Marches of Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse, the military procession honours Saint Roch, patron of pilgrims, confraternities and corporations. Originating from a cholera epidemic devastating Thuin in 1866, this military march attracts considerable tourist interest. The procession comprises nearly 2,000 marchers, most in Napoleonic-era costume.
Saturday 16 May
Population gathering on the ramparts of the Upper Town, firing of campes (string of firecrackers) and torch-lit retreat through the streets
Sunday 17 May
Procession departing from Notre-Dame d'el Vaulx church, touring the town with significant stops including Saint-Roch chapel and the Marchers' monument
Monday 18 May
Day dedicated to Thudinians and local societies, with a march to Saint-Roch chapel, ceremony with presentation of decorations and a grand military mass
- Saturday evening: population gathering on the ramparts of the Upper Town, firing of campes (string fireworks) and torch-lit retreat
- Sunday: main procession departing Notre-Dame d'el Vaulx church, touring the town with significant stops at Saint-Roch chapel and the Marchers' monument
- Monday: day dedicated to Thudinians and local societies, with a march to Saint-Roch chapel and presentation of decorations plus a grand military mass
- Inscribed in UNESCO's intangible heritage since 2012
- Nearly 2,000 marchers in traditional Napoleonic-era costume
- Hundreds of torches distributed for the torch-lit retreat through the historic streets
- true