Marche Sainte-Rolende de Gerpinnes
Grootste UNESCO-folkloremars van de Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse met circa 4.000 marcheurs en de nachtelijke processie van het reliekschrijn naar Hymiee.
ⓘ Recurring event. The 2026 date is the usual window; confirm the exact date closer to the event.
Promote this UNESCO-recognized folklore pilgrimage as an authentic cultural tourism experience for heritage travelers and regional visitors during Pentecost weekend.
- Discover Europe's largest UNESCO folklore march with 4,000+ pilgrims
- Witness the sacred nighttime procession of the reliquary shrine
- Experience authentic Belgian Pentecost traditions in Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse
Each year at Pentecost, Gerpinnes vibrates to the rhythm of one of the largest folkloric marches in Wallonia: the Sainte‑Rolende. Deeply rooted in local history, this tradition brings together thousands of walkers, pilgrims and visitors to discover unique heritage passed down through generations. The march originates from the cult of Sainte-Rolende, an 8th-century young princess whose reliquary is carried in procession through the centuries. The 35-kilometre route connects the villages of Gerpinnes in an atmosphere of fervour, respect and cohesion. [ "Four-day festival (Sunday 24 – Tuesday 26 May 2026), centred on Monday Pentecost procession with ~3,700–4,000 uniformed marchers in Napoleonic-era costumes", "35-kilometre sacred pilgrimage with the Saint Rolende reliquary, passing through 12 villages and featuring 12 military companies and 8 musical societies", "Pre-dawn mass at 3:00 AM (Saint-Michel church) followed by processional departure at 3:45 AM, returning solemnly to Gerpinnes at 18:00–20:30", "Ceremonial flag-takings, military masses, parades of drums-majors and officers, and solemn receptions at villages including Villers-Poterie, Gougnies, Fromiée", "UNESCO-recognised Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse Marches)", "Tradition touching the reliquary with handkerchief for blessing; celebration of anniversaries including 20-year (Tarcienne) and 60-year (Biesme) participation milestones in 2026" ]
Dimanche 24 mai (Sunday)
Military masses (9:00–10:30): Tarcienne, Joncret, Les Flaches. Flag ceremony at Tarcienne Ferme de la Tour (11:00). Battle remount Hymiée (17:30). First detonations in villages 10:00–15:30. Evening parades and gun salutes at Place de la Halle and Place des Combattants.
Lundi 25 mai – Messe et départ (Monday, Main Event)
03:00 — Solemn pilgrim mass, Saint-Michel church. 03:45 — Reliquary departure; drum-major staff exchange. 05:20 — Hanzinne chapel (meeting with Saint-Oger reliquary). 09:00 — Gougnies exceptional parade & flag ceremony. 11:00 — Acoz castle company defiles. 11:40 — Villers-Poterie reliquary return. 14:00 — Gougnies battle descent. 17:30 — Sartia arrival (12 companies & 8 musical societies rally). 18:00–20:30 — Grand solemn re-entry procession (3,700 marchers). Drum-major parade and honours.
Mardi 26 mai (Tuesday)
Additional detonations, official receptions, and village visits in Gerpinnes Centre. Final detonation on Place des Combattants concludes festivities.