Assumption
Historical Context
The Assumption of Mary falls on 15 August every year and is one of the 10 official public holidays. It is a Roman Catholic feast commemorating the taking up of the Virgin Mary into heaven.
The celebration of the Assumption on 15 August dates back to the fifth century, making it one of the oldest Marian feasts. The dogma that Mary was taken up body and soul into heaven was only formally proclaimed by Pope Pius XII in 1950, but the belief had lived in popular tradition for centuries. In the Southern Netherlands, 15 August was always an important religious feast day, closely tied to the many Marian pilgrimage sites in the region. After Belgian independence, the day was added to the list of statutory public holidays.
Scherpenheuvel (Montaigu) in Flemish Brabant is the focal point of Marian devotion on 15 August. Thousands of pilgrims make their way to the basilica, some on foot from their home parish. In numerous parishes, special masses are held and in towns like Tongeren and Hasselt, traditional processions still take place. As the feast day falls in the middle of the summer holidays, it is also a day for many families to take a trip to the coast or the Ardennes, have a barbecue or hold a family celebration in the garden.
Regional Traditions
Scherpenheuvel
The Basilica of Scherpenheuvel is Belgium's most important Marian pilgrimage site. On 15 August, a candlelight procession winds through the streets and thousands of pilgrims arrive on foot from across Flanders.
Hasselt
The Virga Jesse festivities celebrate a 14th-century statue of the Virgin Mary with processions, liturgies and cultural events. The septennial festival draws the entire city into a weeks-long programme.
Antwerp
In the province of Antwerp, 15 August is traditionally also celebrated as Mother's Day, a unique local custom found nowhere else in Europe. Flowers and gifts are given to mothers.
Brussels
The Flower Carpet on the Grand Place is a biennial event (even years) around 15 August. Volunteers lay an enormous tapestry of begonias, drawing 150,000 to 200,000 visitors.