page_title: Pilgrimage of the Relics, Maastricht
section_title: Processions
hierarchical_section_title: Pilgrimage of the Relics, Maastricht / Programme modern pilgrimage / Processions
caption_attribution_description: English: View of a historic religious procession during the 2018 Heiligdomsvaart ("Relics Pilgrimage") in Maastricht, Netherlands. The history of this seven-yearly catholic pilgrimage goes back to the Middle Ages. The first 'modern' version took place in 1874. On both Sundays of the 10-day festival, a procession is held in which the main relics and other devotional objects are exhibited. This photo was taken in Vrijthof square towards the end of the (first) procession on Sunday 27 May 2018.
context_page_description: The Pilgrimage of the Relics or Maastricht Septennial Pilgrimage is a seven-yearly Catholic event in the Dutch city of Maastricht. Originating in the Middle Ages, it developed from a pilgrimage to the grave of Saint Servatius into the present-day religious, historical, cultural and commercial enterprise. Highlights in the programme are the displaying or unveiling of the relics in the main churches and secondly, the processions with the town's main relics. The next pilgrimage will take place in 2025.
context_section_description: The two outdoor processions – not to be confounded with the liturgical processions inside the churches – are perhaps the most iconic aspect of the Maastricht pilgrimage. The colourful parades on both Sundays are watched by ten thousands of people, as well as being televised. Additionally, there are a number of smaller processions, such as the opening procession, the 'Star Procession' (departing from various parish churches), and the children's procession (with self-made reliquary shrines).
  The route of the main procession on the first Sunday starts in Wyck and passes over the Saint Servatius Bridge. A week later the starting point is in Jekerkwartier from where it goes to Onze Lieve Vrouweplein and along the Meuse. Both routes continue via Markt towards Vrijthof. Here, in the Basilica of St Servatius, a short service is held, ending with the singing of the Hymn of Saint Servatius. In Vrijthof, and sometimes in Markt or Sint Pieterstraat, the procession can be watched from a spectator stand. The first rows at the Vrijthof stand are usually reserved for guests such as bishops, cabinet ministers, the governor of Limburg, the mayor of Maastricht and other dignitaries. Television recordings usually take place at Vrijthof.
  Since the 1960s, the organizers of the processions have found it increasingly difficult to involve local participants, especially children and young adults. As a result, traditional groups of altar servers, choir boys, scouting groups and 'brides' (young women dressed in white) have largely disappeared. The same has happened to Catholic women's associations and workers' associations. Their place has now been taken by non-religious, historical and folkloristic groups, or in some cases by religious groups from elsewhere (e.g. the Singing Virgins of Tongeren).
caption: Spectator stand and TV filming at Vrijthof during the first procession, 27 May 2018
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