• Participants dressed as Napoleonic soldiers put on a fire show. Olivier Hoslet / EPA
    Participants dressed as Napoleonic soldiers put on a fire show. Olivier Hoslet / EPA
  • The relics of Sainte Rolende are carried along the route. Olivier Hoslet / EPA
    The relics of Sainte Rolende are carried along the route. Olivier Hoslet / EPA
  • The event attracts participants from all over the globe. Olivier Hoslet / EPA
    The event attracts participants from all over the globe. Olivier Hoslet / EPA
  • Music is played as the march continues. Olivier Hoslet / EPA
    Music is played as the march continues. Olivier Hoslet / EPA
  • Religious dress is donned by some participants. Olivier Hoslet / EPA
    Religious dress is donned by some participants. Olivier Hoslet / EPA
  • Many complete the journey by marching in a formal manner. Olivier Hoslet / EPA
    Many complete the journey by marching in a formal manner. Olivier Hoslet / EPA
  • Youngsters enjoy the spectacle. Olivier Hoslet / EPA
    Youngsters enjoy the spectacle. Olivier Hoslet / EPA
  • The event begins in darkness. Olivier Hoslet / EPA
    The event begins in darkness. Olivier Hoslet / EPA

Pilgrims on the march in Belgium - in pictures


  • English
  • Arabic

Pilgrims and people dressed in French empire uniforms took part in the procession of Marche Sainte-Rolende, in Gerpinnes, Belgium.

The event was part of some 15 folkloric marches in Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse, all recognised by UNESCO.

Sainte-Rolende, which is both a religious and secular event, is the biggest one.

Starting at 2.30am with a religious service, more than 3,000 pilgrims took a 35km route, passing through seven villages while carrying the 58kg shrine with the relics of Sainte-Rolende, which were placed in a new reliquary in 1599.

The first traces of the Sainte-Rolende in Gerpinnes date back to 1699.

__________

More galleries from The National

Barcelona say goodbye to Andres Iniesta - in pictures

Maduro declared Venezuelan president - in pictures

UAE leaders attend iftar reception at the Presidential Palace – in pictures

__________