Maison du Tourisme du Roman Païs
rue de Saintes, 48 - 1400 Nivelles - Belgique
Tél : + 32 (0) 67 22 04 44 Fax : +32 (0) 67 21 98 88
e-mail : info@tourisme-roman-pais.be
rue de Saintes, 48 - 1400 Nivelles - Belgique
Tél : + 32 (0) 67 22 04 44 Fax : +32 (0) 67 21 98 88
e-mail : info@tourisme-roman-pais.be
| The Saint Gertrude Tour (Nivelles) |
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Every year on 29 September, the day of Saint Michael, or the following Sunday, the Saint Gertrude Tour is held. Highly anticipated, with a fame that has now considerably surpassed the "aclote" borders and those of the country, this trek of approximately 15 km across fields leads more and more participants in the footsteps of the abbesses and canonesses who, at the time, left to meet with farmers, the sick and the poor.
The Saint Gertrude Tour, references to which are found in sources from 1276, but the existence of which is presumed to go much further back, was obviously originally a religious procession, a character that has somewhat lost its fervour over time, although still present in the spirit of some, even if has now become an opportunity for many to enjoy a very congenial atmosphere. Early in the morning, around 6:30, after the blessing of the horses, the procession sets off to accompany the 15th-century wagon bearing the relics of Saint Gertrude. All along the 15 km trail, the songs of the choir mingle with the chat of the "pilgrims" for a day. At the end of the "Tour" is the solemn return, accompanied by its procession of richly dressed town councillors and closed by a Te Deum, a last homage to the relics of the saint until the following year. Since 2004, the Tour Sainte-Gertrude has been declared a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of the Heritage of the French Community. www.toursaintegertrude.be |
