The procession was done every year and subsequently became a tradition long after the plague had ended. The town evolved from being in a bend in the river with a fortified wall and tower protecting it to a larger town surrounding this fortification. The procession still marches around the original town limits. In 1830 or so when Belgium became independent and a national army was formed soldiers from Lembeek were given a holiday to join the procession. As army uniforms changed over the years old ones were made available to the town for the town people to use in the procession.
Today there are several processions which occur as part of the celebration.
Of course the religious procession still occurs and follows the original route. Other processions choose a route based upon the location of bars and restaurants conveniently located along the approximate original route. Thus the procession has for most people become an all day party, with a pre-arranged lunch stop and much drinking. The sign posts are in the shape of dragons. This is not a traditional religious design.