Paardenprocessie Hakendover

Towards ancient tradition, on Easter Monday the international horse processio passes. In the first part the founding legend of the church is portrayed – in a living tableau – dating from the year 690. This is now Belgium's third largest procession, with 24,000–25,000 visitors flooding the village of 1,500 inhabitants in 2026. Many pilgrims from the Netherlands, united in brotherhoods from Breda, Tilburg and the Meierij (Schijndel), have visited Hakendover as a pilgrimage destination since 1890. Programme starts at 10:00 with a Eucharistic celebration led by Archbishop Luc Terlinden; procession departs around 11:00 towards Tiense Berg for the climax: the horse galop where hundreds of riders gallop three laps over the fields. Over 100 figurants bring the ancient founding legend to life in colourful scenes; traditional statues, historical costumes and musical guest groups create an atmospheric experience. After the main horse galop, the youngest riders have their turn with a pony galop, three laps on Tiense Berg. The event emphasises volunteers this year, as part of the International Year of the Volunteer. Traffic-free zones, signposted parking and adapted facilities for disabled visitors are provided. De Lijn bus service connects Tienen station to Hakendover between 9:31 and 10:31. true